The F vs P Dilemma: Why Do We Often Write Berfikir?

This spelling error occurs due to the tendency of language users to revert to the original form of the loanword (Arabic: fikr). Additionally, there is a perception that using the letter 'f' provides a more religious, formal, or intellectual impression compared to 'p', which is seen as too casual.

The root word 'pikir' is borrowed from the Arabic 'fikr' (فِكْر). During the adaptation process into Indonesian, the consonant 'f' in the initial position of a foreign root is often assimilated or softened into 'p' to align with local phonology, which is more accustomed to labial plosives.

In the Indonesian social context, the variant 'berfikir' is frequently found in religious literature and older academic writings. This reflects the strong influence of the source language on the speakers' identity, even though national linguistic standards have mandated the use of the letter 'p'.