Korean Alphabet Revives Indigenous Cia-Cia Language in Indonesia

Efforts to preserve the Cia-Cia language, spoken by around 93,000 people on Buton Island, have led to its adoption of the Korean writing system to support literacy among younger generations.

In the vibrant classrooms of Hendea Elementary School in Baubau, Indonesia, the air is thick with excitement as students embark on a unique educational journey. They are not just learning the Korean language but instead utilizing Hangul—the Korean script—to write their indigenous language, Cia-Cia, a language that has been preserved orally for generations.

Deuk-young Jung, the dedicated instructor teaching these fourth graders, encourages them to practice writing Hangul with confidence. The Cia-Cia tribe, which numbers approximately 93,000 individuals residing primarily on Buton Island, has historically relied on oral tradition, leaving its language vulnerable to extinction without a formal script.

Indonesia boasts a rich tapestry of languages, being home to over 700 native languages and countless dialects. The variety and uniqueness of each language are at risk, particularly those without a written form. Amirul Tamim, a passionate advocate for the Cia-Cia language and former mayor of Baubau, highlights the essence of language as a community's heritage and suggests that languages lacking scripts can lose their authentic identity.

With the implementation of Hangul, Cia-Cia children are not only keeping their language alive but are also embracing the cultural value that comes with literacy. This initiative stands as a beacon of hope for many endangered languages around the globe, showcasing the intersection of tradition and education, and the importance of preserving linguistic diversity in a changing world.