Cia-Cia Language: The Indonesian Tongue Using the Korean Hangul Script
In the Southeast Sulawesi province of Indonesia, a unique linguistic phenomenon is taking place. The Cia-Cia language, also known as Butonese or South Buton, is a member of the Austronesian language family. While it is spoken by approximately 105,000 people, it has gained international attention for its unconventional writing system: the use of Hangul, the Korean alphabet.
Primarily spoken around the city of Baubau on the southern tip of Buton Island, Cia-Cia is a vital part of the regional identity. However, like many indigenous languages, it faces challenges in preservation as Indonesian—written in the Latin script—becomes the dominant medium of education and administration.
Key Facts
- Language Family: Austronesian (Malayo-Polynesian, Celebic, Muna–Buton)
- Primary Region: Baubau, Buton Island, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia
- Estimated Speakers: 105,000 (as of 2012)
- Writing Systems: Latin and Hangul (Korean script)
- Dialects: Kaesabu, Sampolawa, Wabula, and Masiri
The Journey to Hangul
The adoption of Hangul for Cia-Cia was not a coincidence but the result of a dedicated cross-cultural effort. The movement was spearheaded by Lee Ki-nam, a significant advocate for the script, who sought to provide a well-established writing system for ethnic groups without one. In 2007, she collaborated with linguists like Kim Ju-won from Seoul National University to form the Hunminjeongeum Society.
In 2008, a delegation visited Baubau to discuss the implementation of Hangul. This led to a pilot program where Cia-Cia children were taught the Korean script alongside basic Korean language skills. Despite legal complexities regarding Indonesian national unity laws—which favor the Latin script—the program has persisted in specific subdistricts. As of 2025, Hangul remains in use for local signage and within certain school curricula.
Linguistic Evolution and Scripts
Historically, Cia-Cia was written using a Jawi-like script known as Gundhul, which was based on Arabic but lacked vowel signs. Today, the language exists in a complex linguistic landscape alongside Wolio (which uses Arabic script) and Indonesian (which uses Latin). The use of Hangul represents a modern attempt to bridge the gap between oral tradition and written literacy.
Phonology and Structure
Cia-Cia possesses a distinct phonetic structure. It utilizes a five-vowel system consisting of close (i, u), mid (e, o), and open (a) vowels. The consonant system includes various stops, nasals, and fricatives, some of which require specialized Hangul characters to represent accurately.
For example, to accommodate specific Cia-Cia sounds, linguists have utilized obsolete or specialized Hangul jamo. The implosives /ɓ/ and /ɗ/ are written using standard Hangul characters, while the voiced bilabial fricative /β/ is represented by the resurrected character ᄫ.
Numerical Systems
Similar to the Muna language, Cia-Cia employs three distinct sets of numerals:
- Free form: Used for basic counting.
- Prefixed form: Used before units of 10, 100, and 1,000, as well as with classifiers.
- Reduplicated form: Used after units of ten when counting.
Language Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| ISO 639-3 Code | cia |
| Glottolog Code | ciac1237 |
| Primary Locations | Buton Island, Binongko Island, Batu Atas Island |
| Major Dialects | Masiri (highest vocabulary commonality), Kaesabu, Sampolawa, Wabula |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Cia-Cia use the Korean Hangul script?
The use of Hangul was initiated by the Hunminjeongeum Society and advocates like Lee Ki-nam to provide a functional writing system for the Cia-Cia people, helping to preserve their language through literacy.
Is Hangul the official script of Indonesia?
No. While Hangul is used in certain Cia-Cia subdistricts for education and local signs, Indonesian law requires tribal languages to use the Latin script to maintain national unity.
What are the main dialects of Cia-Cia?
The main dialects include Kaesabu, Sampolawa (Mambulu-Laporo), Wabula, and Masiri. The Masiri dialect is notable for sharing the most vocabulary with the standard dialect.
Where is Cia-Cia spoken?
It is spoken in Southeast Sulawesi, specifically on South Buton Island, Binongko Island, and Batu Atas Island.
How many people speak Cia-Cia?
As of 2012, there were approximately 105,000 native speakers recorded.