As part of its commitment to documenting and preserving local linguistic and cultural heritage, the Batak Literature Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Sumatera Utara, conducted a field research project on the lexicons used in the traditional games of the Simalungun community in Merek Village, Raya District, Simalungun Regency. The study aimed to identify, document, and analyze the unique vocabulary and expressions embedded within traditional games as an integral component of Simalungun cultural heritage.
Traditional games serve not only as forms of entertainment but also as important mediums for transmitting language, social values, and cultural knowledge across generations. Through this research, various terms, expressions, and cultural concepts associated with these games were systematically recorded and examined, contributing to a deeper understanding of the relationship between language and cultural practices within the Simalungun community.
The findings of this study are expected to provide valuable resources for linguistic and cultural research, support the preservation of regional languages, and contribute to broader efforts in cultural revitalization amid the challenges of modernization. This field research also reflects the Batak Literature Study Program’s ongoing dedication to safeguarding Indonesia’s cultural heritage through community-based scholarship and the promotion of local wisdom.