BALINESE LANGUAGE

      Balinese language has its own characters its same like Japanese and Chinese.They consist of some 18 main characters and 10 vowel sounds.Long time ago Balinese characters are used to write on the palm leaf manuscript its called lontar.When the writing works have been completed,they should be rubbed with a blend of oil and lamp shoot to blacken them.So they are visible easily.

     At a glance,Balinese characters look likes Old Javanese or Tamil (India).It is inseparable from historical aspect where they had similarity of genealogical lines.Today Balinese characters still have restricted use,namely at school for local subject from elementary school to senior high school.It is becoming the responsibility of local government to preserve and develop Balinese language in order it could survive languages like Bahasa Indonesia and foreign languages.

     Balinese language poses a medium and spirit of Balinese culture. To preserve Balinese culture should also simultaneously maintain and use of Balinese language in daily life.In other words,speaking Balinese language also characterizes one of the identities as a Balinese.

     Balinese community receives abundant heritages of lontar or palm leaf manuscript from predecessors,retained by individuals and museums.They carry many aspects of knowledge ,ranging from philosophy,local healing,literature,architecture,agriculture,herbal practice,astrology and so forth.Therefore,if they could be interpreted and presented in popular language,they could become attractive information for young generation and sale able books for commercial needs.Today there is also a trend of poising the tradition with modern science namely by reinterpreting the indigenous wisdoms that are relevant to the current time.People will get balanced inputs from the past and current orientation.

      Of course,such a treasures will be beneficial for the conversation and future development of Balinese culture,because it stays in touch with its original roots.The young generation should be introduced to these roots at an early stage.Later they will not lose their identity and even could feel proud of it or could give them inspiration in making their creativities ,either in fine arts,performance,traditional architecture and herbal healings.So the Balinese language would not come into extinction or be far left behind with the modern life.