Soerat
Definition & Context
Noun
A word that functions as the name of a specific object or set of objects, such as living creatures, places, actions, qualities, states of existence, or ideas.
The Van Ophuijsen spelling form of the word surat (letter), referring to a written sheet containing a message, official information, or personal correspondence sent to a specific recipient. Encompasses written documents in various forms, including “soerat kabar” as a periodical publication and official correspondence in colonial government administration.
Synonyms & Variants
dokumen
Any written or printed record containing information or evidence.
layang
'Layang' in Javanese ngoko register refers to a letter or written message, semantically equivalent to 'soerat' but originating from the Javanese linguistic tradition.
soerat
Old spelling (Van Ophuijsen) of the word 'surat'.
surat
The modern standard form of 'soerat', referring to a written document containing a message, information, or correspondence.
warta
News or information sent to others.
soerat kabar
'Soerat kabar' is a semantic extension of 'soerat' in Van Ophuijsen spelling, referring specifically to periodical publications or newspapers within the colonial press context.
serat
'Serat' in Javanese krama inggil register serves as the honorific form of 'layang' or 'soerat', typically referring to formal manuscripts or letters addressed to respected recipients.
missive
'Missive' is a Dutch-origin term used in Dutch East Indies colonial administration to refer to official government letters, equivalent to 'soerat' within the colonial bureaucratic context.
Usage Notes or Etymology
The Van Ophuijsen orthography made this spelling standard in Dutch East Indies colonial documents until 1947. Used formally in bureaucracy and the Malay-language press. Under the Soewandi system, the spelling shifted to surat, replacing oe with u.
Real-world Usage
Soerat dari Batavia soedah tiba kemarin pagi. (Surat dari Batavia sudah tiba kemarin pagi.)
English Translation
Representative of real-world usage and contextual accuracy.
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