Javanese language has its own ‘alphabetic’ system of 20 letters the basic sound of which is ‘a/o’ as the sound pronounced in ‘bought’. Such letters as ‘v’, ‘f’, ‘q’, ‘x’, and ‘z’ are are absent. Javenese letters only contain consonants (except the first letter ‘ha’ which is interchangebly pronounced as ‘a’. To produce such other sounds as ‘e’, ‘i’, ‘u’ and ‘o’, it uses particular symbols.
Unfortunately, the letters are not commonly used, especially in formal and official circumstances. This is because modern alphabetic letters replaced them. Some young men even do not recognize the old Javanese letters. Inadequate time of learning them at school seems to contribute on the poor knowledge of the letters among the present generation. However, they are still used in traditional papers. Among others is the employment decree issued by the ‘kingdoms’ of Yogyakarta and Surakarta.
Supriyono Suroso, MM
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