Cia-Cia Tribe Embraces Hangul: A Script for Their Oral Heritage

Children from the Cia-Cia tribe on Buton Island are now learning to write in Hangul, a method chosen to preserve their oral language for future generations.

In the vibrant classrooms of Hendea Elementary School, a group of enthusiastic fourth graders is busy intertwining their cultural heritage with a foreign script. Rather than studying Korean, these children are learning to write their indigenous Cia-Cia language using Hangul, the unique Korean writing system. This innovative approach is spearheaded by Deuk-young Jung, a dedicated teacher who has spent years working to ensure that this language, long passed down orally among the Cia-Cia tribe, can be documented and preserved.

The Cia-Cia language, widely spoken by approximately 93,000 individuals on Buton Island, Indonesia, has historically existed without a formal writing system. With Indonesia hosting an incredible 700 native languages, many tribal languages face extinction. This has prompted community leaders, including former Baubau mayor Amirul Tamim, to advocate for the preservation of the Cia-Cia language. "Language reveals the essence of a tribe," he emphasized, underscoring that linguistics serve as vital keys to cultural identity and authenticity.

In this classroom, the air buzzes with excitement as students watch their instructor demonstrate the Hangul symbols, translating their spoken language into written form. “Say 'ph' and make the paper in front of you move,” Jung instructs as the students eagerly mimic her. The introduction of Hangul not only represents a bridge between cultures but also reinforces the tribe's commitment to safeguarding their linguistic legacy and ensuring that future generations retain access to their rich oral traditions. Through these lessons, the Cia-Cia tribe reclaims their narrative, reinforcing the significance of written language as a pillar of cultural preservation.