In brief
In a groundbreaking initiative on Buton Island, Indonesia, Cia-Cia children are learning to write their indigenous language using the Korean script, Hangul. As this language has traditionally been passed down orally, the introduction of a written form aims to revitalize and preserve the Cia-Cia language amidst concerns of its potential extinction.
In classrooms filled with eager voices, the sound of pencils scratching on paper resonates as Cia-Cia children in Baubau, Indonesia, embrace a unique approach to language learning. These fourth graders, equipped with nameplates showcasing their names in Hangul, are not learning Korean; instead, they are using the Korean alphabet to write their own indigenous language, Cia-Cia, historically passed down through oral tradition.With around 93,000 speakers in the Cia-Cia tribe, which inhabits Buton Island in southeastern Indonesia, there's a growing concern about preserving the language, as it lacks a written form. This has led educators like Deuk-young Jung, who has been advocating for over a decade, to utilize Hangul as a means of teaching the language. As students practice the script, they are simultaneously learning the phonetics and structure of their own language, giving them a sense of connection to their roots.Indonesia is renowned for its cultural and linguistic diversity, hosting over 700 native languages. Unfortunately, many of these languages are at risk due to the absence of a script. Amirul Tamim, a notable advocate for the Cia-Cia language, emphasizes the importance of language as a cultural treasure, stating, "A language without its own alphabet loses its authenticity." The integration of Hangul into the learning process signifies a crucial step toward sustaining the Cia-Cia language for future generations, embodying a blend of tradition and modernity. This initiative highlights the ongoing efforts to preserve linguistic diversity in a world where many languages are vanishing.
