Kedaluwarsa or Kadaluarsa? Tracing the Sanskrit Linguistic Footprints

The misspelling 'kadaluarsa' occurs due to the phenomenon of vowel assimilation in the oral dialects of Indonesian speakers. The pronunciation of the schwa 'e' in the first syllable often shifts to 'a' to sound more harmonious with the vowels in the subsequent syllables, creating a rhythmic pattern perceived as more fluid when spoken.

The word 'kedaluwarsa' originates from an Old Javanese compound rooted in Sanskrit. It consists of 'dalu' meaning past or overripe, and 'warsa' meaning year or time. Literally, this term refers to a condition that has passed its designated time limit.

In a social context, the use of this non-standard form is pervasive in the trade sector and product packaging. Many business actors are more accustomed to using the variant 'kadaluarsa' because it is considered more familiar to the general public compared to its standard form, which feels more formal or rigid.