Amid Indonesia’s rich cultural diversity, Batak Toba stands out as one of the most fascinating ethnic groups, especially in terms of its culinary tradition. As one of the largest ethnic communities in North Sumatra, the Batak Toba people are known for their rich and diverse cuisine. For them, food is not merely a source of energy, but also a medium for expressing cultural, social, and spiritual values. From preparation to presentation, Batak Toba cuisine reflects how its people interact with nature, resources, and one another.

One particularly interesting aspect of Batak Toba cuisine is how the language shapes food terminology. The formation of culinary words in the Batak Toba language is a profound process filled with meaning. These food names do not only refer to ingredients or cooking methods but also reflect the Batak Toba worldview regarding life and their environment. Therefore, the study conducted by Tarida Alvina Simanjuntak, Robert Sibarani, Mulyadi, and Hamzon Situmorang from Universitas Sumatera Utara aims to examine how these culinary terms are formed and what they represent in Batak Toba culture.

According to Robert Sibarani, "The process of word formation in Batak Toba culinary terms is not merely about labeling food but reflects how the Batak Toba people build relationships with nature, resources, and dietary patterns" (Sibarani, 2024). The study found that culinary word formation in Batak Toba involves several linguistic techniques, such as composition, reduplication, and affixation. These techniques enrich food names while also conveying cultural values embedded in each term.

Composition, or the combination of two or more words to form a more specific meaning, is one of the most frequently used techniques. For instance, dekké jahir is formed from dekké (fish) and jahir (a type of tilapia). This compound word not only specifies the type of fish but also reveals the community’s preference for certain species, illustrating their consumption patterns and deep connection to their environment, particularly aquatic ecosystems.

Reduplication is also used to emphasize or clarify the meaning of certain terms. For example, ombus-ombus is a traditional snack made of glutinous rice flour and palm sugar wrapped in banana leaves. The word ombus means “to blow,” and the repetition indicates that the snack should be cooled by blowing on it before eating. In this case, reduplication adds depth and reflects social and cultural aspects of dining practices among the Batak Toba.

Affixation also plays a crucial role in word formation in the Batak Toba language. This involves adding prefixes, suffixes, or infixes to root words to create more complex meanings. For example, the prefix ni- indicates that the food has been cooked or processed. Ni-rah refers to a cooked dish, while ni-ura refers to food prepared with specific seasonings. The use of such affixes helps to indicate preparation status and culinary process, reflecting the community’s deep understanding of cooking practices.

Through these processes, Batak Toba food names become more than labels—they act as tools to communicate cultural ties, history, and environmental relationships. As Robert Sibarani explains, "Food names in Batak Toba culture express more than what we eat. They reveal how we see the world, how we relate to nature, and how we celebrate life through food." This statement underscores that Batak Toba cuisine reflects a life philosophy deeply rooted in nature and tradition.

The study also highlights the importance of preserving Batak Toba culinary vocabulary. As globalization progresses, many of these terms risk fading away, particularly due to the increasing dominance of external cultural influences. Thus, documenting and studying the word formation process in Batak Toba cuisine is crucial to safeguarding their cultural identity. By understanding how meaning is embedded in each culinary term, we help preserve one of the richest aspects of Batak Toba heritage.

Ultimately, this research reveals that culinary word formation in the Batak Toba language is not merely a linguistic phenomenon but also part of an effort to preserve social and cultural values. Robert Sibarani emphasizes, “Every word created in Batak Toba culinary tradition carries messages about history, values, and the way of life of its people.” Thus, understanding how these culinary terms are formed provides not only linguistic insight but also a deeper understanding of Batak Toba culture and society.

In conclusion, this study not only explores the linguistic mechanisms behind Batak Toba culinary terms but also highlights how language and cuisine interact to preserve and celebrate a rich cultural heritage. A deeper understanding of culinary word formation significantly contributes to efforts in preserving the Batak Toba language and culture, while enriching the broader narrative of Indonesia’s invaluable culinary diversity.