Abstract
This study examines the application of local literature and dialectal variations of the Madurese language within the context of regional development and environmental conservation in Sampang Regency, Madura Island. Literature, language, and their dialectal varieties are shaped by the community’s long-term interaction with its environment. Each dialect preserves ancestral knowledge regarding nature, resources, and methods for maintaining ecological balance. Conversely, environmental changes or degradation also impact the continuity of these dialects. Therefore, knowledge of lexical elements or variations within a language and its literature can contribute to regional development and environmental preservation. Data collection was conducted using observation, interviews, and documentation. The collected data were analyzed using a descriptive-qualitative approach involving three stages: data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The study reveals that models for regional development and environmental conservation based on local literature and Madurese dialectal variations in Sampang Regency can be examined through several aspects, namely regulation formulation, increased community participation in development, and routine government activities or work programs. The Madurese people share a close bond with nature and their environment, a relationship reflected in both their literature and their dialectal language variations. Preserving Madurese lexical items—particularly those related to the environment—and using them in daily conversation can foster public awareness regarding the richness of the Madurese language while simultaneously cultivating a sense of responsibility for environmental stewardship. Dialectal variations serve as a tangible reflection of the diverse social values present in a region. Regional development initiatives that acknowledge and incorporate local literature and language are more likely to yield policies that are well-targeted, widely accepted, and sustainable. Thus, the findings of this study not only contribute to the field of dialectology but also offer valuable insights for the Sampang Regency government in its regional development planning.