Sundanese language

Sundanese language

From Pikiran Rakyat

On my way from Jakarta's Kampung Rambutan terminal to Bandung, I talked to a young lady sitting next to me. Speaking in Sundanese -- my mother tongue, which I seldom use in Jakarta -- I introduced myself and found out that she was a student at Pajajaran university.

But she refused to continue the conversation in Bahasa Sunda which is also her mother tongue, saying that "Sundanese is not trendy and out of fashion."

When changing onto another means of transportation in the city of Bandung, I found myself sitting next to a family consisting of a father, mother and their child. The husband and wife were talking in Sundanese, which is definitely their mother tongue. But when they turned to their child, they spoke in Indonesia. How strange.

I wonder what will happen to the Sundanese language. We have the obligation to preserve our cultural heritage, including our mother tongue, because it is a reflection of our identity. Why should we be ashamed of speaking our native language.

Well, fellow Sundanese, what is wrong with you?

DIDIN M SALMAN

Jakarta