In brief
In Baubau, Indonesia, children of the Cia-Cia tribe are now learning to write their indigenous language using the Korean script, Hangul. This effort, aimed at preserving the Cia-Cia language that has been passed down orally for generations, highlights the significance of written language in maintaining cultural heritage.
In a vibrant classroom filled with excitement, Cia-Cia children in Baubau, Indonesia, are discovering their language in a new light. With each of their desks adorned with a nameplate inscribed in Hangul, the Korean alphabet, the students enthusiastically follow their teacher's guidance to write the Cia-Cia language, which has traditionally only been spoken.Spoken by around 93,000 people from the Cia-Cia tribe on Buton Island, the language is one of over 700 native languages in Indonesia, making the country the second most linguistically diverse after Papua New Guinea. As part of an unprecedented education initiative, instructor Deuk-young Jung has devoted over a decade to teaching Hangul as a way for students to write and learn their indigenous language. “I believe that language is a cultural treasure, a legacy that should be passed down,” stated Amirul Tamim, a former mayor of Baubau, a key figure in Cia-Cia preservation efforts. “A language without a written script loses its authenticity; it's crucial for the civilization of our tribe." This sentiment resonates strongly in a nation where many indigenous languages are endangered and stand to disappear without the adoption of a written form.As these young learners practice forming letters and sounds, they also contribute to the larger goal of cultural preservation. The use of Hangul not only provides a practical solution but also fosters a sense of pride and identity among the Cia-Cia people, further connecting them to their heritage while ensuring the survival of their language for future generations.
