Yogyakarta: Many tourists visiting the Yogyakarta Palace are amazed\nto find that several abdi dalem, or royal retainers, are able to speak\nforeign languages, despite most never having attended specialised\nlanguage schools. This ability is often displayed when they welcome\nguests, explain the history of the palace buildings, or answer questions\nfrom international visitors, sparking curiosity among those who assume\nforeign language skills can only be acquired through formal\neducation.<\/p>\n
Their proficiency is largely gained through daily experience. As part\nof the Yogyakarta Palace, the abdi dalem frequently interact with\ninternational tourists from various countries. Almost every day they\nmeet visitors who speak foreign languages, particularly English. Through\nrepeated simple conversations, they gradually learn to understand and\nuse the language in different situations. Initially, they might only\ngrasp a few words or simple sentences, but over time their skills\ndevelop through continuous practical use.<\/p>\n
The learning process for the abdi dalem occurs naturally. They listen\nto how tourists speak, observe commonly used vocabulary, and then try to\nuse it themselves when communicating. If they make mistakes, they learn\nto correct them through subsequent experiences. This method allows them\nto become accustomed to using a foreign language without feeling as\nthough they are in a formal lesson. The habit of interacting directly\nwith speakers from various countries becomes a highly effective learning\ntool.<\/p>\n
Beyond experiential learning, some abdi dalem also have diverse\nprofessional backgrounds before serving at the palace. Some have\npreviously worked as teachers, civil servants, lecturers, or company\nemployees, roles that may have exposed them to foreign languages. This\nprior knowledge becomes a foundation that is continually honed during\ntheir duties at the palace. Many also have a personal interest in\ncontinuous learning, utilising books, mass media, television, radio, and\nthe internet to expand their vocabulary and practice their language\nskills. Although this learning is self-directed, their enthusiasm leads\nto steady improvement, with some even able to understand complex\nquestions and provide clear explanations to foreign visitors.<\/p>\n
This language ability is also driven by the need to offer better\nservice to visitors. As one of Indonesia\u2019s renowned cultural\ndestinations, the Yogyakarta Palace receives many international tourists\nannually who come to witness Javanese cultural life, study the history\nof the Yogyakarta Sultanate, and learn about traditions that are still\npreserved today. The ability to communicate in foreign languages is\ntherefore a valuable asset in explaining the palace\u2019s history,\ntraditions, and culture to guests, making their visit more memorable and\nreinforcing the palace\u2019s image as a cultural destination open to the\ninternational community.<\/p>\n
Despite speaking foreign languages, the abdi dalem maintain their\nJavanese cultural identity, which is integral to their role. In daily\nlife within the palace, they continue to use Javanese etiquette and\nlanguage according to traditions passed down through generations. Their\nforeign language skills do not diminish their love for local culture;\nrather, they use these skills to introduce Javanese culture to the\nworld. By explaining various traditions and the palace\u2019s history to\ninternational visitors, the abdi dalem play a vital role in preserving\nand promoting Indonesia\u2019s cultural heritage on a global stage.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/why-can-yogyakarta-palace-retainers-speak-foreign-languages-without-formal-schooling-1782132840", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }