AJARCDE (Asian Journal of Applied Research for Community Development and Empowerment)
Vol. 10 No. 2 (2026)

Language as a Repository of Indigenous Agricultural Knowledge: Insights from the Traditional Minangkabau Agricultural Lexicon

Rina Marnita (Faculty of Humanities, Andalas University. Indonesia)
Novizar Nazir (Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Andalas University. Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
11 Jun 2026

Abstract

This review paper examines the critical role of language as a repository for indigenous agricultural knowledge, with specific focus on the traditional Minangkabau agricultural lexicon of West Sumatra, Indonesia. Drawing upon interdisciplinary perspectives from ethnolinguistics, ethnobotany, and cultural anthropology, this study synthesizes existing literature to demonstrate how agricultural terminology encodes generations of ecological wisdom, sustainable farming practices, and cultural values. The Minangkabau people, renowned for their matrilineal social system and strong cultural traditions, have developed a rich vocabulary related to rice cultivation, agroforestry, and land management that represents an invaluable repository of traditional ecological knowledge. This review identifies the structural characteristics of the agricultural lexicon, examines its role in transmitting indigenous knowledge across generations, and discusses the threats posed by modernization and language shift. The findings underscore the urgent need for documentation and revitalization efforts to preserve this linguistic heritage as a foundation for sustainable agricultural development and biocultural diversity conservation. Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):SDG 2: Zero HungerSDG 4: Quality EducationSDG 11: Sustainable Cities and CommunitiesSDG 12: Responsible Consumption and ProductionSDG 15: Life on Land

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

ajarcde

Publisher

Subject

Agriculture, Biological Sciences & Forestry Earth & Planetary Sciences Education Energy Environmental Science

Description

AJARCDE (Asian Journal of Applied Research for Community Development and Empowerment) publishes papers on innovative applications, development of new technologies, and efficient solutions in agriculture, engineering, computing, economic, social, information technology, food, energy, and scientific ...