Sundanese, spoken primarily in the western part of Java, Indonesia, utilizes both a traditional script known as Aksara Sunda and the Latin alphabet for writing. The adaptation of the Latin alphabet for Sundanese has facilitated its learning and usage, especially online and in educational settings. This guide focuses on the Sundanese Latin alphabet, highlighting its unique aspects and providing learners with the foundational knowledge needed to read and write in Sundanese effectively.

Overview of the Sundanese Latin Alphabet

• Script Type: Latin-based
• Number of Letters: 24, including vowels and consonants specific to Sundanese sounds.
• Unique Features: Includes additional letters not found in the English alphabet to represent native phonetics.

Detailed Breakdown of the Sundanese Latin Alphabet

Vowels

Sundanese has six primary vowels, similar to Indonesian. Each vowel can have a short or long pronunciation, affecting the meaning of words.

1. A, a

   • Pronunciation: Like ‘a’ in “father.”
   • Example Word: “Sarua” – meaning “The same”

2. É, é

   • Pronunciation: Like ‘e’ in “bed.”
   • Example Word: “Lélé” – meaning “Catfish”

3. I, i

   • Pronunciation: Like ‘ee’ in “see.”
   • Example Word: “Pikir” – meaning “Think”

4. O, o

   • Pronunciation: Like ‘o’ in “or.”
   • Example Word: “Bodo” – meaning “Stupid”

5. U, u

   • Pronunciation: Like ‘oo’ in “food.”
   • Example Word: “Bulu” – meaning “Feather”

6. E, e

   • Pronunciation: Like ‘ay’ in “way.”
   • Example Word: “Beja” – meaning “News”

Consonants

The Sundanese Latin alphabet shares many consonants with English but includes additional letters and diacritics to represent native sounds.

1. B, b

   • Pronunciation: Like ‘b’ in “bat.”
   • Example Word: “Babakan” – meaning “Small forest”

2. C, c

   • Pronunciation: Like ‘ch’ in “check.”
   • Example Word: “Cai” – meaning “Water”

3. D, d

   • Pronunciation: Like ‘d’ in “dog.”
   • Example Word: “Domba” – meaning “Sheep”

4. F, f

   • Pronunciation: Like ‘f’ in “fish.”
   • Example Word: “Falak” – meaning “Fate”

5. G, g

   • Pronunciation: Like ‘g’ in “go.”
   • Example Word: “Gajah” – meaning “Elephant”

6. H, h

   • Pronunciation: Like ‘h’ in “hat.”
   • Example Word: “Hujan” – meaning “Rain”

7. J, j

   • Pronunciation: Like ‘j’ in “juice.”
   • Example Word: “Jauh” – meaning “Far”

8. K, k

   • Pronunciation: Like ‘k’ in “kite.”
   • Example Word: “Kuda” – meaning “Horse”

9. L, l

   • Pronunciation: Like ‘l’ in “love.”
   • Example Word: “Langit” – meaning “Sky”

10. M, m

    • Pronunciation: Like ‘m’ in “man.”
    • Example Word: “Manuk” – meaning “Bird”

11. N, n

    • Pronunciation: Like ‘n’ in “nice.”
    • Example Word: “Nini” – meaning “Grandmother”

12. Ng, ng

    • Pronunciation: Like ‘ng’ in “sing.”
    • Example Word: “Unggal” – meaning “Each”

13. P, p

    • Pronunciation: Like ‘p’ in “pot.”
    • Example Word: “Pasar” – meaning “Market”

14. R, r

    • Pronunciation: Trilled ‘r’ as in Spanish “perro.”
    • Example Word: “Rumah” – meaning “House”

15. S, s

    • Pronunciation: Like ‘s’ in “sun.”
    • Example Word: “Sawah” – meaning “Rice field”

16. T, t

    • Pronunciation: Like ‘t’ in “top.”
    • Example Word: “Tangkal” – meaning “Tree”

17. W, w

    • Pronunciation: Like ‘w’ in “water.”
    • Example Word: “Waktu” – meaning “Time”

18. Y, y

    • Pronunciation: Like ‘y’ in “yes.”
    • Example Word: “Yakin” – meaning “Sure”

Unique Sundanese Sounds

• Sundanese utilizes specific consonants and combinations to express sounds unique to the language, including ng and ny.

Pronunciation Tips

• Tones and Stress: Sundanese does not use tones like some Asian languages but pay attention to the stress.
• Vowel Length: Vowel length can change the word’s meaning, with longer vowels denoted by doubling the vowel in writing.

Practice Exercises

• Listening and Speaking: Engage with native speakers or utilize language learning apps that offer Sundanese courses.
• Writing Practice: Write down each letter, focusing on unique Sundanese sounds and practicing word formation.
• Reading Practice: Begin with simple texts like children’s books or basic articles to familiarize yourself with the alphabet in context.

Additional Resources

• Language Learning Apps: Search for apps or online platforms offering Sundanese.
• Online Tutorials: YouTube and language learning websites may offer free resources.
• Language Exchange: Practice with native speakers for real-life learning experiences.

Conclusion

Mastering the Sundanese Latin alphabet is a critical step toward fluency in the language. Regular practice in speaking, listening, reading, and writing will deepen your understanding of Sundanese culture and enhance your ability to communicate effectively with native speakers.