Pelestarian Bahasa Ibu Lewat Tradisi Menulis Aksara Jawa

Summary

In a creative arts studio in Yogyakarta, Kinanti Sekar has been offering weekly lessons on Javanese script since 2017, originally attracting children but now appealing to adults, including international participants like Christina Duke from Ecuador. The initiative aims to preserve this cultural heritage, with participants learning Javanese characters such as Honocoroko. Local teacher Shinta Wijayanti expresses concern about future generations losing the ability to read traditional scripts, highlighting the importance of passing on this knowledge. Despite challenges like promotion and low fees, the effort contributes to global cultural preservation, with UNESCO recognizing the importance of native languages on International Mother Language Day.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Kinanti Sekar arts center in Yogyakarta has been teaching Javanese script every Thursday since 2017.
• 😀 Initially popular with children, the classes have seen a growing number of adult participants, including people from outside Java and even international students.
• 😀 Christina Duke, an Ecuadorian student, views Javanese script as more like a beautiful image or symbol compared to the Latin alphabet.
• 😀 Shinta Wijayanti, a Javanese participant, is motivated by the desire to preserve Javanese script for future generations, fearing it could be lost over time.
• 😀 The fear of Javanese script disappearing is linked to the decline in the ability to read ancient manuscripts, which are no longer accessible to many.
• 😀 Hiu Cahaya Sadewa, an instructor, hopes to spread knowledge of Javanese script beyond the class, encouraging participants to share it with family and friends.
• 😀 The goal of Kinanti Sekar is to ensure the ongoing preservation of Javanese script and culture through education and community efforts.
• 😀 The cost to attend classes at Kinanti Sekar is 130,000 IDR per month for a weekly session, making it accessible to the local community.
• 😀 Promoting Javanese script as an enjoyable and engaging activity is essential for attracting new learners and keeping the tradition alive.
• 😀 Efforts at Kinanti Sekar are part of a larger global movement, supported by UNESCO’s recognition of International Mother Language Day, celebrated every February 21st.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the Kinanti Sekar arts center in Yogyakarta?

The Kinanti Sekar arts center in Yogyakarta primarily focuses on teaching Javanese script, specifically held every Thursday since 2017. Initially attended by children, it now attracts adults as well, including people from outside Java and even abroad.

Who is Christina Duke and what is her perspective on Javanese script?

Christina Duke is a student from Ecuador who joined the Javanese script classes. She views Javanese script as being more artistic than the Latin alphabet, describing it as beautiful and elegant, emphasizing its symbolic qualities.

Why does Shinta Wijayanti feel strongly about the preservation of Javanese script?

Shinta Wijayanti is motivated by the idea that if future generations lose the ability to read Javanese script, it may eventually disappear. She views the script as integral to preserving cultural heritage, referencing old manuscripts that are increasingly unreadable.

What is the goal of Hiu Cahaya Sadewa regarding Javanese script education?

Hiu Cahaya Sadewa hopes to spread knowledge of Javanese script beyond the class, encouraging participants to teach their family and close relatives, ensuring the script is passed down and continues to be preserved.

How does the Kinanti Sekar arts center manage its operations despite financial challenges?

The Kinanti Sekar arts center charges a modest fee of 130,000 IDR per month for one weekly session. This allows the center to continue its educational programs, despite the challenges in promoting Javanese script as an enjoyable learning experience.

What is the importance of promoting Javanese script according to the arts center?

Promoting Javanese script is important because it helps to reawaken an appreciation for the local culture. The center is focused on making learning Javanese script fun and accessible, which they believe can help preserve the language and its cultural significance.

What role does the United Nations play in the context of language preservation?

The United Nations recognized the importance of preserving languages by designating February 21 as International Mother Language Day during the 30th General Assembly in 1990, underscoring the need to preserve linguistic diversity worldwide.

What is the significance of the city of Yogyakarta in the context of the Kinanti Sekar arts center?

Yogyakarta is known as a cultural and educational hub in Indonesia, and the Kinanti Sekar arts center is a part of this environment, playing a vital role in preserving and teaching local languages and traditions, such as Javanese script.

How have the participants in the Javanese script classes evolved over time?

Initially, the classes were attended mainly by children. Over time, however, more adults have joined the program, reflecting a growing interest in learning Javanese script among a broader demographic, including individuals from outside Java and even other countries.

What challenge does the Kinanti Sekar arts center face in promoting Javanese script?

The center faces the challenge of effectively communicating that learning Javanese script is an enjoyable experience. They recognize the importance of engaging and attractive publicity to draw more people into learning and appreciating the script.