New generation shuns Balinese script

New generation shuns Balinese script

Antara, Bangli

Most of the younger generation in Bali are no longer able to
write or interpret the traditional Balinese script, observers
say.

Most texts and teaching originating from Bali's cultural
values, a heritage that mixes philosophy with Hinduism, could no
longer be understood by young people, the Utpati Krama Ritual
Arts meeting in Selat Susut, Bangli, was told on Monday.

Speaking at the forum, which was initiated by the Pasraman
Pradesa Bangli (PPB) institution, Balinese cultural observer
Wayan Wista said that lessons in Balinese calligraphy and
language were taught in nearly every elementary and high school
in Bali.

However, only a limited number of students ended up able to
grasp the language, especially the Balinese script, Wista said.

Artist and Pulo Candani Wisnakarma art workshop founder Ketut
Pradnya said this inadequate knowledge meant many youngsters
could become distanced from their roots.

"Why is that so? Because the Lontar scripture and the Buhun
holy books on Balinese culture are written in the Balinese
script," Pradnya said.

Most of the Balinese people's core values and philosophies
were also written in the script, Pradnya said.

Concern over this increasing ignorance has led Pradnya to
cooperate with the PPB in an effort to encourage youth to revive
the use of the writing.

"We have gone through the initial steps to foster a feeling of
compassion toward the script that is inherited from our
ancestors," he said.

The program targeted interested students and would be taught
as an extracurricular subject in schools, Pradnya said.

"We will adjust the times (for study periods) so that the
subject will not interrupt other lessons."