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Javanese script Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: Javanese Script: History, Structure, and Usage

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Javanese Script: History, Structure, and Usage Study Guide

Origins and Historical Trajectory

The primary period of active use for Javanese script in daily and literary texts spanned from the mid-16th century to the mid-20th century CE.

Answer: True

Explanation: Historical records indicate that Javanese script was actively employed for both everyday and literary purposes from approximately the mid-16th century CE until the mid-20th century CE.

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Is the Kawi script identified as the oldest known root of the Javanese script?

Answer: False

Explanation: While the Kawi script is a direct ancestor, the oldest known root of the Javanese script is traced back to the Tamil-Brahmi script.

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The 'Bromartani' newspaper, published in the mid-19th century, was the first newspaper printed in the Javanese language and script.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'Bromartani' newspaper, which circulated in the mid-19th century, holds the distinction of being the first newspaper published in both the Javanese language and its native script.

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The Japanese occupation starting in 1942 is often cited as a factor contributing to the decline of Javanese script usage.

Answer: True

Explanation: The period of the Japanese occupation, commencing in 1942, is frequently identified as a significant contributor to the diminishing use of the Javanese script.

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What is the defined period of active use for Javanese script in day-to-day and literary texts?

Answer: From the mid-16th century to the mid-20th century CE

Explanation: The period of active utilization for Javanese script in both daily life and literary works is documented as spanning from the mid-16th century CE to the mid-20th century CE.

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Which script is identified as the oldest known root of the Javanese script?

Answer: Tamil-Brahmi script

Explanation: The Tamil-Brahmi script is recognized as the most ancient precursor to the Javanese script.

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What event, starting in 1942, is cited as a significant factor in the decline of Javanese script usage?

Answer: The Japanese occupation of the Dutch East Indies.

Explanation: The Japanese occupation of the Dutch East Indies, which commenced in 1942, is frequently cited as a pivotal factor contributing to the subsequent decline in the usage of Javanese script.

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Script Structure and Core Components

Is the Javanese script exclusively known by the name 'hanacaraka'?

Answer: False

Explanation: The Javanese script is known by several names, including 'hanacaraka', 'carakan', and 'dentawyanjana', indicating that 'hanacaraka' is not its sole designation.

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Is the Javanese script classified as an alphabet, where each symbol represents a single sound?

Answer: False

Explanation: The Javanese script is an abugida, not a pure alphabet. Each consonant character inherently includes a vowel sound, which can be modified by diacritics.

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Does the Javanese script typically comprise around 45 basic letters, known as 'aksara'?

Answer: True

Explanation: The Javanese script generally consists of approximately 45 fundamental characters, referred to as 'aksara'.

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Is a 'pasangan' in Javanese script used to add a vowel sound to a consonant?

Answer: False

Explanation: A 'pasangan' is a conjunct form of a character used to nullify the inherent vowel of the preceding letter, thereby forming a closed syllable, rather than adding a vowel sound.

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Is the 'hanacaraka' sequence a pangram derived from the first five letters of the Javanese script?

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'hanacaraka' sequence is indeed a pangram, formed from the initial five letters of the Javanese script.

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'Aksara murda' are additional letters developed specifically to transcribe foreign sounds.

Answer: False

Explanation: 'Aksara murda' are special letter forms used for transcribing the names of respected individuals and legendary figures, distinct from 'aksara rekaan' which are used for foreign sounds.

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'Aksara rekaan' were developed to transcribe sounds from languages like Arabic and Dutch.

Answer: True

Explanation: The development of 'aksara rekaan' was specifically for the purpose of transcribing foreign sounds, including those found in Arabic and Dutch loanwords.

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Most 'aksara rekaan' are formed by adding the 'cecak telu' diacritic to a base character.

Answer: True

Explanation: The formation of most 'aksara rekaan' involves the addition of the 'cecak telu' diacritic to a base character.

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'Sandhangan' are characters used for independent vowels.

Answer: False

Explanation: 'Sandhangan' are diacritics that are attached to base characters to modify their inherent vowel sounds, not characters for independent vowels.

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'Aksara swara' are primarily used in modern Javanese to replace the 'ha' character for clarity in foreign names.

Answer: True

Explanation: In contemporary Javanese usage, 'aksara swara' serve the primary function of replacing the 'ha' character to ensure clarity when transcribing foreign names or terms.

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'Sandhangan swara' are diacritics used to close a syllable with a consonant.

Answer: False

Explanation: 'Sandhangan swara' are diacritics specifically designed to alter the inherent vowel sound of a consonant character, not to close syllables.

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'Aksara gantèn' in modern teaching are used to replace specific combinations of consonant + pepet.

Answer: True

Explanation: In contemporary pedagogical contexts, 'aksara gantèn' are employed to substitute particular consonant-pepet combinations, such as 'ra' + 'pepet'.

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The function of 'sandhangan panyigeging wanda' is to modify the inherent vowel sound of a base character.

Answer: False

Explanation: 'Sandhangan panyigeging wanda' serve to close a syllable with a consonant, thereby nullifying the inherent vowel, rather than modifying it.

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'Pangkon' is a diacritic that nullifies the inherent vowel of a base character and is primarily used in the middle of words.

Answer: False

Explanation: While 'pangkon' does nullify the inherent vowel, it is generally not used in the middle of words for forming closed syllables; that function is typically performed by 'pasangan'.

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'Aksara wyanjana' refers to the diacritics used to modify vowel sounds.

Answer: False

Explanation: 'Aksara wyanjana' are the consonant letters themselves, which inherently carry a vowel sound, not the diacritics used to modify vowels.

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The 'hanacaraka' sequence is named after the first five letters of the Javanese script.

Answer: True

Explanation: The designation 'hanacaraka' is derived from the first five letters of the Javanese script, serving as its namesake.

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Which of the following is NOT an alternative name for Javanese script mentioned in the source?

Answer: Aksara Jawa

Explanation: The source mentions 'hanacaraka', 'carakan', and 'dentawyanjana' as alternative names for Javanese script. 'Aksara Jawa' is a direct translation and not typically listed as an alternative name in the same vein.

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What type of writing system is Javanese script, characterized by consonant letters representing syllables with inherent vowels?

Answer: An abugida

Explanation: The Javanese script functions as an abugida, where each consonant character inherently includes a vowel sound that can be modified through the application of diacritics.

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What is the approximate number of basic letters ('aksara') in the Javanese script?

Answer: Around 45

Explanation: The Javanese script is composed of approximately 45 fundamental characters, referred to as 'aksara'.

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In Javanese script, what is the purpose of a 'pasangan'?

Answer: To nullify the inherent vowel of the preceding letter, forming closed syllables.

Explanation: A 'pasangan' serves to nullify the inherent vowel of the preceding character, thereby enabling the formation of closed syllables within the script.

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What is the 'hanacaraka' sequence in Javanese script?

Answer: A pangram derived from the first five letters.

Explanation: The 'hanacaraka' sequence is recognized as a pangram, constructed from the initial five letters of the Javanese script.

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What is the purpose of 'aksara murda'?

Answer: To write the names of respected individuals and legendary figures.

Explanation: 'Aksara murda' are specialized letter forms employed for the transcription of names belonging to respected individuals and legendary figures.

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What are 'sandhangan' in the context of Javanese script?

Answer: Diacritics attached to base characters to modify vowels.

Explanation: 'Sandhangan' are diacritical marks that are affixed to base characters to alter their inherent vowel sounds.

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In modern Javanese, 'aksara swara' are primarily used for what purpose?

Answer: To replace the 'ha' character in foreign names or terms for clarity.

Explanation: The primary application of 'aksara swara' in contemporary Javanese is to substitute the 'ha' character, thereby enhancing clarity when rendering foreign names or specific terms.

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What is the function of 'sandhangan panyigeging wanda'?

Answer: To close a syllable with a consonant.

Explanation: 'Sandhangan panyigeging wanda' are diacritics employed to close a syllable by appending a consonant sound, effectively terminating the syllable's vocalic component.

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How does 'pangkon' differ from 'pasangan' in Javanese script?

Answer: 'Pangkon' nullifies the inherent vowel but is generally not used mid-word for closed syllables, unlike 'pasangan'.

Explanation: While both 'pangkon' and 'pasangan' nullify the inherent vowel, 'pasangan' is specifically used mid-word to form closed syllables, a function 'pangkon' generally does not fulfill.

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What are 'aksara wyanjana'?

Answer: Consonant letters with inherent vowel sounds.

Explanation: 'Aksara wyanjana' refers to the consonant letters within the Javanese script, each inherently possessing a vowel sound.

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Phonetic Representation and Orthographic Conventions

Is the inherent vowel sound in Javanese script always /i/ unless modified by a diacritic?

Answer: False

Explanation: The inherent vowel sound in Javanese script is traditionally /a/ or /ɔ/, not /i/. Diacritics are used to alter this inherent vowel.

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In Madurese usage of Javanese script, does the 'wignyan' diacritic signify a glottal stop?

Answer: False

Explanation: In Madurese usage, the 'wignyan' diacritic indicates aspiration, whereas in Javanese, it signifies a glottal stop.

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Is the inherent vowel in Madurese, when written in Javanese script, typically /a/ or /ə/?

Answer: True

Explanation: When Javanese script is used for Madurese, the inherent vowel is typically rendered as /a/ or /ə/, differing from the standard Javanese inherent vowel.

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What is the traditional inherent vowel sound associated with each letter ('aksara') in Javanese script?

Answer: /a/ or /ɔ/

Explanation: Each 'aksara' in the Javanese script traditionally represents a syllable with an inherent vowel sound of /a/ or /ɔ/, which can be modified by diacritics.

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What is the function of the 'wignyan' diacritic in Madurese usage compared to Javanese?

Answer: It indicates aspiration in Madurese, while signifying a glottal stop in Javanese.

Explanation: In the context of Madurese written with Javanese script, 'wignyan' denotes aspiration, contrasting with its function as a glottal stop indicator in standard Javanese.

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What is the primary difference in inherent vowels between Javanese and Madurese when using Javanese script?

Answer: Javanese has /a/ or /ɔ/, Madurese has /a/ or /ə/.

Explanation: The standard Javanese script features an inherent vowel of /a/ or /ɔ/, whereas its application for Madurese typically involves an inherent vowel of /a/ or /ə/.

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Writing Mediums and Practices

Were traditional Javanese texts often written without spaces between words, a practice known as 'scriptio continua'?

Answer: True

Explanation: Indeed, traditional Javanese texts frequently employed 'scriptio continua,' a method of writing without spaces between words.

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Was the Kawi script primarily written on palm leaf manuscripts known as 'lontar'?

Answer: True

Explanation: Yes, the Kawi script was predominantly inscribed onto palm leaf manuscripts, commonly referred to as 'lontar'.

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Were palm leaf manuscripts ('lontar') typically written on using ink and a brush?

Answer: False

Explanation: Palm leaf manuscripts ('lontar') were typically written on by incising text horizontally with a knife and then blackening the grooves, rather than using ink and a brush.

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Did paper begin to be used in the Malay Archipelago only after the widespread adoption of the modern Javanese script?

Answer: False

Explanation: Paper began to be used in the Malay Archipelago in the 13th century, predating the widespread adoption of the modern Javanese script, which emerged later.

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'Daluang' paper, made from sa'eh tree bark, was commonly used in Javanese manuscripts produced in palaces and Islamic boarding schools.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source confirms that 'daluang' paper, derived from the sa'eh tree bark, was a common medium for manuscripts originating from Javanese palaces and pesantren.

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Did European paper imports initially become the preferred medium for all Javanese manuscript production?

Answer: False

Explanation: Initially, European paper was expensive. While it became more common over time, 'daluang' paper remained associated with certain manuscript traditions, and it was not universally preferred from the outset.

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The practice of writing Javanese text without spaces between words is known as:

Answer: Scriptio continua

Explanation: The method of writing Javanese text without inter-word spacing is termed 'scriptio continua'.

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What was the primary writing medium for everyday texts in the Kawi script?

Answer: Palm leaf manuscripts ('lontar')

Explanation: Palm leaf manuscripts, known as 'lontar', served as the principal medium for inscribing everyday texts written in the Kawi script.

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How was writing typically done on palm leaf manuscripts ('lontar')?

Answer: Incised horizontally with a knife and blackened.

Explanation: The standard method for writing on 'lontar' involved incising the text horizontally with a sharp tool and subsequently blackening the grooves to enhance legibility.

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When did paper begin to be used in the Malay Archipelago, according to the source?

Answer: In the 13th century

Explanation: The introduction and use of paper in the Malay Archipelago commenced during the 13th century.

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What type of paper, made from the bark of the sa'eh tree, was commonly used in Javanese manuscripts from palaces and pesantren?

Answer: Daluang

Explanation: 'Daluang' paper, crafted from the bark of the sa'eh tree, was frequently utilized in the production of Javanese manuscripts originating from royal courts and Islamic educational institutions (pesantren).

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Numerals, Punctuation, and Literary Expression

Were traditional Javanese literature texts primarily composed in prose, reflecting a strong oral tradition?

Answer: False

Explanation: Influenced by the oral tradition, Javanese literature texts were predominantly composed in metrical verses designed for recitation, rather than prose.

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Were Javanese poets traditionally expected to create entirely new stories for their literary works?

Answer: False

Explanation: Traditional Javanese poets were typically tasked with rewriting and recomposing existing tales, rather than originating entirely new narratives.

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Javanese numerals, called 'angka', have distinct forms and behave similarly to Arabic numerals.

Answer: True

Explanation: Javanese numerals, designated as 'angka', possess unique forms and function analogously to Arabic numerals in mathematical and numerical contexts.

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Javanese numerals used within sentences are typically surrounded by 'pada pangkat' or 'pada lingsa' punctuation marks to avoid confusion.

Answer: True

Explanation: To prevent ambiguity, Javanese numerals embedded within sentences are conventionally enclosed by 'pada pangkat' or 'pada lingsa' punctuation marks.

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Does the Javanese script include direct equivalents for question marks and exclamation marks?

Answer: False

Explanation: The Javanese script does not possess direct equivalents for question marks or exclamation marks; their meaning is typically inferred from context.

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'Pada pangkat' and 'pada lingsa' are punctuation marks used to separate clauses or sentences.

Answer: False

Explanation: While 'pada lingsa' can separate clauses, both 'pada pangkat' and 'pada lingsa' are primarily used to enclose numerals within sentences for clarity, not generally for separating clauses or sentences.

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'Pada lungsi' is used to end a sentence when the last syllable is closed.

Answer: False

Explanation: 'Pada lungsi' is used to end a sentence when the last syllable is open; 'pada lingsa' is used when the last syllable is closed.

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'Rerenggan' are punctuation marks primarily used for decorative purposes in Javanese manuscripts.

Answer: True

Explanation: The term 'rerenggan' refers to punctuation marks that often serve a decorative function within Javanese manuscripts, frequently framing titles or sections.

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How were traditional Javanese literature texts typically composed, influenced by the oral tradition?

Answer: Almost always in metrical verses designed for recitation.

Explanation: Reflecting the strong influence of oral traditions, Javanese literary works were predominantly structured as metrical verses intended for recitation, emphasizing rhythmic and melodic qualities.

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What was the traditional role of a Javanese poet regarding stories?

Answer: To rewrite and recompose existing tales.

Explanation: The conventional role of a Javanese poet involved the adaptation and recomposition of pre-existing narratives, rather than the creation of entirely novel ones.

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What are Javanese numerals called?

Answer: Angka

Explanation: The numerals used within the Javanese script are referred to as 'angka'.

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Which punctuation marks are used to surround Javanese numerals within sentences to prevent confusion?

Answer: Pada pangkat and pada lingsa

Explanation: The punctuation marks 'pada pangkat' and 'pada lingsa' are employed to enclose numerals within sentences, thereby mitigating potential confusion.

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Which of the following punctuation marks is notably ABSENT in Javanese script, requiring context for interpretation?

Answer: Question mark

Explanation: The Javanese script lacks a direct equivalent for the question mark, necessitating reliance on contextual cues to ascertain interrogative intent.

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