Indigenous Cia-Cia Tribe Adopts Hangul to Preserve Their Language

The Cia-Cia language, traditionally passed down orally, is being revitalized through the adoption of Hangul at Hendea Elementary School in Indonesia. This effort aims to preserve the tribe's linguistic heritage and mitigate language loss, highlighting the importance of written forms for cultural identity.

In a vibrant classroom in Baubau, Indonesia, students are breaking new ground in language education. In a twist on traditional teaching, the fourth graders are not learning the Korean language but are instead using Hangul, the Korean alphabet, to write in Cia-Cia, their indigenous tongue. This historic language has endured through centuries of oral transmission among approximately 93,000 members of the Cia-Cia tribe on Buton Island, located southeast of Sulawesi Island.

"Ph, say it like this," instructs Deuk-young Jung, who has devoted over ten years to teaching Hangul at Hendea Elementary School. "Make sure the paper in front of your mouth moves as you pronounce it." The laughter amongst the 40 or so students reflects their enthusiasm for embracing both a new script and their linguistic heritage.

Indonesia is known for its astonishing linguistic diversity, boasting more than 700 native languages. However, many of these languages, including several on Buton Island, face extinction due to the absence of written scripts. Amirul Tamim, a former mayor of Baubau, emphasizes the importance of language to community identity and continuity, stating, “A language without its own alphabet loses its authenticity.”

The introduction of Hangul not only provides a viable means for Cia-Cia speakers to document and teach their language but also enhances cultural pride among the youth. As the language gains a written form, it strengthens the tribes' efforts to pass down their rich traditions and stories to future generations, ensuring their heritage remains vibrant in an ever-globalizing world.