The spelling of the word "janda" can be confusing due to its pronunciation. In IPA phonetic transcription, "janda" is spelled as /ˈdʒændə/. This shows that "j" is pronounced as "dʒ" as in "jungle", "a" is pronounced as "æ" as in "cat", "n" is pronounced as "n" as in "nice", "d" is pronounced as "d" as in "dog", and "a" is pronounced as "ə" as in the schwa sound. Therefore, the correct pronunciation and spelling of "janda" are vital to avoid any misunderstandings.
Janda is a term widely used in the Indonesian language which refers to a widow or a woman who has been previously married and is now single. This word specifically describes a female individual who has lost her husband due to death and has not remarried.
The term "janda" is derived from the Sanskrit word "jans," meaning "to know" or "to recognize." This reflects the traditional value of recognizing a woman who has experienced the loss of her spouse. Although historically associated with mourning and sadness, the contemporary usage of this word has evolved to include women who are divorced or separated from their partners.
The term "janda" is often used in everyday conversation to denote the marital status of a woman. It can be used neutrally, without any negative connotations or implications. However, in some contexts, the word may carry stereotypes or judgments about the woman's character or past. It is worth noting that the usage and understanding of the term may vary across different cultural and regional contexts within Indonesia.
Janda is a significant term within Indonesian society as it identifies and acknowledges women who have experienced the loss of a husband. It reflects upon the cultural and traditional values placed upon marriage and widowhood, while also connoting a particular marital status of a woman.
The word "janda" has different etymologies depending on the context and language.
In Indonesian and Malay, "janda" refers to a widow or divorcee. The term "janda" originated from the Sanskrit word "jandē", which means "a woman whose husband is dead". It was adapted into Old Javanese as "janda" and later borrowed into Indonesian and Malay. The usage of "janda" expanded to include divorced women as well.
On the other hand, in Slovene, "janda" means a rooster or a male bird. This meaning has a different etymology. The word derives from the Old Slavic word "jadra", which also referred to a rooster.
It is important to note that "janda" has different meanings in different languages, and its etymology varies accordingly.