For millennia, Arabic-Malay script, commonly referred to as Jawi script, has been an integral aspect of Malay culture. Its lengthy and rich history attests to the Malay people’s identity and cultural journey.
With Arabic characters modified to fit the phonetics of the Malay language, the Jawi script form has a distinctiveness that makes it a powerful cultural feature and a sign of identity in Malay society.
Nonetheless, there has been a noticeable drop in the usage of Jawi script in recent years. This is brought on by several things, including quick changes in society and technology.
Jawi script has been ignored and has lost popularity in the digital age due to the growing usage of Roman or Latin script.
A change in people’s inclinations towards the use of a language and writing system more geared towards modern communication demands is one of the factors contributing to the reduction in the use of Jawi script.
The advent of translation and transliteration technologies, which can automatically translate text into Latin letters, has also contributed to the decline in the use of Jawi script. There are legitimate worries that Jawi script may eventually become increasingly rare.
Families, cultural institutions and communities all play a crucial role in preserving and introducing Jawi script to the younger generation. In the family, teaching about Jawi script can be done informally through games, stories and everyday activities.
Similarly, cultural institutions and communities can hold seminars, courses or cultural events that encourage the use and understanding of Jawi script.
Efforts to maintain the continuity of Jawi script include documenting knowledge and use of this writing, developing resources and educational programs that promote the use of Jawi writing, as well as campaigns for awareness and appreciation of this cultural heritage within the community.
The reason for the decline in the use of Jawi script
1. Influence of Technology and Digitalization: The use of Jawi script has been greatly impacted by technological advancements and the digitalization of media.
With the introduction of electronic devices like computers and smartphones, Roman or Latin script has become more prevalent, and users of these devices find it easier and more convenient to use than Jawi script. As a result, Jawi script is being used less and less.
2. Social and Cultural Changes: Modern lifestyles and urbanization have shifted interest and use of Jawi script. The influence of Western culture and the spread of English also played a role in reducing the use of Jawi script.
The younger generation is more likely to use the Latin writing system because it is more appropriate to the social and communication environment they face.
3. Limited Education: One of the causes of the decrease in Jawi script usage is low educational attainment. The amount of Jawi script instruction included in formal education courses is typically insufficient.
Jawi script instruction and comprehension are frequently left out of curricula that emphasise contemporary knowledge and abilities. As a result, the younger generation is deprived of the chance to acquire and become proficient in Jawi script.
Learning Jawi script is frequently ignored when educational goals shift due to technology and swift societal advancements.
The emphasis on digital literacy and foreign languages in formal education courses leaves limited areas for teaching Jawi script. The younger generation hence does not obtain sufficient education to comprehend and utilise Jawi script efficiently.
However, even though this phenomenon shows that Jawi script is becoming increasingly extinct, this does not mean that there are no efforts to preserve it.
The community can still take various steps to maintain the existence and sustainability of Jawi script. The role of families, schools, cultural institutions and communities is very important in preserving and teaching Jawi script to the younger generation.
Parties who play an important role in preserving Jawi script
1. Role of the Family: The family has an important role in preserving and introducing Jawi script to the younger generation. In a family environment, Jawi writing can be taught informally through games, stories and daily activities. Families can also ensure there is awareness and respect for the importance of Jawi writing in Malay cultural heritage.
2. Role of Education: Formal education also plays an important role in preserving Jawi writing. Educational curricula must include the teaching and understanding of Jawi script so that the younger generation has the opportunity to learn and master it. Educators must be responsible for maintaining and reviving the use of Jawi script in their curriculum.
3. Role of the Community: Community communities and cultural institutions also have an important role in maintaining and preserving Jawi script. They can hold seminars, courses and cultural events that promote the use of Jawi script and an understanding of its meaning and values. Collaboration with these parties can provide much-needed support in efforts to preserve Jawi script.
4. Government Role: The government also has an important role in preserving Jawi script. Providing financial support, integrating the teaching of Jawi script in educational curricula and protecting historical Jawi language sites through appropriate policies and regulations are important steps to preserve Jawi script.
Sustainability of Jawi script requires joint efforts from parties who play important roles. Families, educational institutions, communities and the government must work together to preserve and revive the use of Jawi script.
Preserving our culture and historical heritage is our responsibility as Malay people. With the right efforts, Jawi script can live on and become a strong cultural symbol.
Finally, Jawi script which is increasingly disappearing in everyday life is a challenge for us as Malay people. However, we must not let this valuable cultural heritage simply disappears. Steps need to be taken to maintain the continuity and use of Jawi script in this modern era.
Active participation is required from various parties, including families, educational institutions and communities. Families can teach Jawi script through informal education at home.
Educational institutions must integrate teaching about Jawi script in the formal curriculum. Communities can also hold cultural activities that promote the use and understanding of Jawi script.
With joint efforts, Jawi script can live on and become a strong cultural symbol. We must realize the importance of preserving this cultural heritage for future generations.
Therefore, Jawi script is an inseparable part of our cultural identity as Malay people, and we all have a responsibility to protect it.
Afiqah Izzati Zul
Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM)
