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    Structure and Components of Aksara Jawa

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    Structure and Components of Aksara Jawa

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    Structure and components of Aksara Jawa

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    Structure and Components of Aksara Jawa

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    The Javanese script, known as Aksara Jawa or Hanacaraka, is an ancient writing system

    originating from Java, Indonesia. It is part of the Brahmic family of scripts, which spread
    across Southeast Asia through Indian cultural influence. The script is renowned for its
    flowing, intricate forms, which give it an elegant and artistic appearance. Here's an overview
    of its characteristics:

    Structure and Components


    1. Alphabet Type:
    Aksara Jawa is an abugida, meaning that each character represents a consonant with an
    inherent vowel sound (/a/ or /ɔ/). Additional marks, called diacritics, are used to change the
    inherent vowel or add other vowels.
    2. Basic Letters (Aksara Nglegéna):
    The script consists of 20 primary consonantal letters. These are used to write most of the
    sounds in the Javanese language and follow a traditional ordering system known as
    Hanacaraka, which forms a mnemonic poem:

    This sequence has cultural significance and is often memorised as part of Javanese education.

    1. Vowel Diacritics (Sandhangan):


    To modify the inherent vowel or add other vowel sounds, sandhangan (diacritical marks) are
    attached to the base consonants. For example:

    • Adding a diacritic to "ha" (ᬳ) might transform it into "hi" (ᬳᬶ ) or "hu" (ᬳᬸ).
    2. Special Characters (Aksara Rekan and Aksara Murda):
    • Aksara Rekan are additional characters borrowed to represent sounds from Arabic or
    Sanskrit, often for religious or scholarly purposes.
    • Aksara Murda are a set of honorary or "capital" letters used for proper names or
    formal occasions.
    3. Punctuation and Numbers:
    Aksara Jawa includes unique punctuation marks for pauses and ends of sentences, as well as
    its own numeral system. The numerals are distinct symbols, unlike Arabic numbers used
    today.

    Writing Style and Rules


    1. Direction:
    The script is traditionally written from left to right.
    2. Ligatures and Connected Forms:
    The script has many ligatures, where two or more letters are combined into a single symbol
    for aesthetic or space-saving purposes. This feature adds complexity but also beauty to the
    script.
    3. Spacing:
    Words are usually written without spaces between them, relying on context or punctuation to
    delineate meaning.

    Comparison to Other Scripts


    • Similarities with Other Brahmic Scripts:
    Aksara Jawa shares similarities with scripts like Balinese, Devanagari, and Khmer in terms
    of structure and design principles, including the use of vowel diacritics and consonantal
    bases.
    • Distinctive Features:
    Its characters have a curvier and more ornate appearance compared to its counterparts,
    reflecting its adaptation to traditional Javanese aesthetics.

    Modern Usage
    Though primarily replaced by the Latin script, Aksara Jawa still appears in cultural contexts,
    traditional art, literature, and religious ceremonies. It is occasionally used in signage, particularly in
    Yogyakarta and Surakarta, where efforts to preserve and revitalise it are ongoing.
    This script is not just a means of writing; it is a visual representation of Java's cultural heritage, with
    each character carrying layers of history and tradition.

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