Buton's Korean Touch
When the language of the Cia-Cia tribe in Baubau, Buton Island, faced extinction, the local administration undertook a unique step: it adopted the Hangeul script and alphabet from South Korea. The alphabet of a nation 5,000 kilometers away can now be read in Sorawolio, the largest settlement of the Cia-Cia people. Children who never knew their traditional Cia-Cia tongue are now beginning to take an interest in learning it. This month, the Korean government plans to establish the first Korean Language Institute in Indonesia, at Buton University. A report by contributor Seulki Lee from Southeast Sulawesi for Tempo English Edition.
December 7, 2011
RASNAYANGSA, what did you learn in school today?" asked Wasudi, a 54-year-old grandmother, curious. Her 8-year-old granddaughter had just entered elementary school in Baubau City, South Sulawesi, this year. "Yes?" Rasnayangsa responded, instead of reply. This time, Wasudi repeated the question aloud. However, Rasnayangsa still could not understand her. Wasudi eventually gave up after a few tries
To Wasudi, this is not new. Sorawolio, Baubau City, B
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