Jakarta (Antara) - The Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) will hold a seminar, with the theme "Revitalisation of Oirata Language," in the Maluku provincial city of Ambon next Monday, said a researcher at LIPI. "To prevent the Oirata language from becoming extinct, we will hold a seminar on the revitalisation of the language in Ambon next Monday," said Soewarsono, a researcher at LIPI, who is currently conducting research on Oirata. It is spoken by a minority group in two villages - West Oirata and East Oirata - on the island of Kisar in Southwest Maluku district, Maluku province. "Ambon Pattimura University (Unpatti) will be involved in the seminar, which will take place at UPT Balai Konservasi Biota Laut in Poka, Ambon," noted Soewarsono. According to him, the objective of the seminar is to find a solution to prevent the extinction of the Oirata language. "Various parties from the villages of West and East Oirata and the local government are expected to attend the seminar. Speakers will be from LIPI and Unpatti," he said. Soewarsono pointed out that Professor Tanwey Gerson Ratumanan will be one of the speakers from the University of Pattimura in Ambon. "Professor Ratumanan is now in Sofifi, North Maluku, but he will return to Ambon on Sunday for the seminar," he added. According to Soewarsono, language plays an important role in the social structure of the Oirata people because every clan in the two villages has its own unique myth that can be told in the Oirata language during wedding ceremonies. "However, the number of speakers in marriages is declining," he added. Meanwhile, Joseph Kamanasa, a youngster from East Oirata village, said his party fully supports the seminar. "We fully support the seminar on the revitalisation of the Oirata language and hope that it will have a positive impact on the survival of our language," he added. (*)
Berita Terkait

Ferry mishap - Search extension over 20 missing
23 jam lalu

Malaysian confirmed dead in Bali ferry accident: Police
11 Juli 2025 15:03