In brief
In a groundbreaking initiative, Cia-Cia children in Baubau, Indonesia, are learning to write their indigenous language using the Korean alphabet, Hangul. This effort comes in response to the challenges faced by the Cia-Cia tribe in preserving their language, which has historically been passed down orally.
Amid the vibrant atmosphere of Hendea Elementary School, the classroom buzzes with excitement as students engage in writing exercises. Rather than studying Korean, these fourth graders are leveraging Hangul to document their heritage, with approximately 93,000 speakers of Cia-Cia in the region. This innovative teaching method is led by Deuk-young Jung, a dedicated educator who has championed this approach for over ten years.Indonesia is home to an incredible linguistic diversity, boasting over 700 native languages. However, the Cia-Cia language faces a serious risk of extinction due to its lack of a dedicated writing system. Amirul Tamim, a committed advocate for the language’s preservation, emphasized the cultural significance of language: “A language without its own alphabet loses its authenticity,” he stated during a community meeting aimed at raising awareness about this issue.As these children learn to write their language, they not only engage with their cultural identity but also contribute to the ongoing efforts to keep the Cia-Cia language alive for future generations. With this unique blend of tradition and education, there is hope that the Cia-Cia language will continue to thrive in modern society.
