Preserving Indigenous Heritage: Cia-Cia Language Adopts Korean Script

The Cia-Cia language, an oral tradition for centuries, is being taught using the Korean script, Hangul, in Baubau, Indonesia. This initiative aims to preserve linguistic heritage among the tribe's youth amidst the risk of language extinction.

In a lively classroom in Baubau, Indonesia, a unique educational initiative is taking shape as children from the Cia-Cia tribe learn to write their indigenous language using Hangul, the Korean alphabet. This approach not only facilitates literacy among the youth but also aims to preserve a language that has been passed down orally for generations.

The Cia-Cia language currently has no formal script and is spoken by around 93,000 members of the tribe located on Buton Island, southeast of Sulawesi. Enthusiastic fourth graders at Hendea Elementary School are now engaging with the Korean script, guided by dedicated instructors such as Deuk-young Jung. With over a decade of teaching experience, Jung emphasizes the pronunciation of sounds, such as “ph,” while demonstrating the script's distinctive shapes.

Indonesia is linguistically rich, home to more than 700 native languages, making it one of the world's most diverse countries after Papua New Guinea. On Buton Island itself, various local languages and dialects coexist but many face extinction due to the lack of written forms.

Amirul Tamim, a former Baubau mayor, highlights the significance of language as a cultural heritage. He warns that without a written alphabet, a language’s authenticity and its role in the community's identity may diminish. The Cia-Cia people's initiative to adopt Hangul serves as a crucial step toward safeguarding their linguistic legacy while fostering a sense of pride among the younger generation. Through this innovative method, students not only improve their literacy skills but also deepen their connection to their cultural roots, ensuring the Cia-Cia language survives for years to come.