Javanese Writing System
Javanese Writing System
the syllabic writing system known as Charakan, which, in addition to the Latin alphabet and an Arabic script, is used to write the Javanese language. The writing system dates back to the Old Javanese Kawi writing system and is similar to the syllabic systems used for such languages as Sundanese, Madurese, and Balinese, all of which are related to Javanese. From the 18th to the early 20th century many literary and other works were written in Charakan. In the 20th century the writing system has been falling into disuse, the Latin alphabet becoming dominant.