In brief
Students from the Cia-Cia tribe on Buton Island are being taught to write their historically oral language, Cia-Cia, using the Korean writing system, Hangul, in a unique effort to preserve their culture.
In a vibrant classroom in Baubau, Indonesia, the atmosphere buzzes with excitement as fourth graders embark on a remarkable learning journey. Each student has a nameplate displaying their name in Hangul, the Korean alphabet, and they are not there to learn Korean; instead, they are using Hangul to write their own language—Cia-Cia. This indigenous language, spoken by about 93,000 people in the Cia-Cia tribe, has survived for centuries without a written form.Deuk-young Jung, an enthusiastic teacher who has dedicated over a decade to this cause, guides students in pronouncing sounds and forming the unique symbols of Hangul. Indonesia boasts immense linguistic diversity, with more than 700 native languages; however, many indigenous languages are at risk as they lack a written script. Amirul Tamim, a key figure in preserving the Cia-Cia language, emphasizes that a language without an alphabet loses its authenticity and connection to its rich cultural heritage.The effort to teach the Cia-Cia language using Hangul represents hope not only for the students but for the future of their tribe's culture. By gaining literacy in their language, they can ensure that the legacies of their ancestors continue to thrive.
