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ScienceBaubau, Indonesia

Indigenous Cia-Cia Language Embraces Korean Hangul to Thrive

Children of the Cia-Cia tribe in Indonesia are learning to write their ancient language using Hangul, the Korean script, to preserve their unique cultural identity.

By Muktita SuhartonoSource: nytimes.com1 min read
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Indigenous Cia-Cia Language Embraces Korean Hangul to Thrive
Image via nytimes.com

In brief

In a remarkable blend of tradition and innovation, Cia-Cia children in Baubau, Indonesia are being taught to write their indigenous language using Hangul, the Korean alphabet. This initiative aims to preserve the Cia-Cia language, which has been passed down orally for centuries and currently boasts around 93,000 speakers. The new approach is vital, as Indonesia is recognized for its linguistic diversity but faces a worrying trend of language loss, particularly among those without a written form. Deuk-young Jung, who has been teaching Hangul for over ten years, emphasizes the significance of vocal exercises for phonetic practice, while local leaders advocate for the preservation of linguistic heritage, highlighting the importance of maintaining cultural identity through language.

In the lively setting of Hendea Elementary School, students are engaged in writing exercises that showcase the spherical and linear shapes of Hangul. Each desk is personalized with a nameplate written in the script, marking a symbolic step in revitalizing their language. Former Baubau mayor, Amirul Tamim, articulates the cultural wealth contained within each language, reinforcing the idea that a language devoid of its script loses its authenticity and continuity. As the Cia-Cia tribe adapts the Korean script to preserve their oral tradition, they open new avenues for educational growth and cultural preservation, reflecting a broader movement towards recognizing and valuing indigenous languages in a rapidly changing world.

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