Achinese
The Achinese (also Aceh, Acehnese or Atjeher ) are an ethnic group on the Indonesian island of Sumatra , who mainly live in the coastal lowlands of the Aceh province in the north of the island. They speak the Chinese language .
Ethnicity and religion
The Achinese had once adopted Hinduism , as evidenced by their traditions and Sanskrit words in the language. As early as the 13th century they came into contact with Islam through Indian traders and in the 16th century they formed a first, Islamic empire.
The nearly four million Achinese are considered strict Muslims in Indonesia. Outwardly, they differ from other Indonesians because they are tall and dark-skinned. The Gayo and Alas, who are distinguished from the Achinese, live in the central mountains of Aceh.
language
The Achinese (or Acehnesian) language is one of the Malayo-Polynesian languages in the Austronesian language family . Ten dialects are distinguished.
While an Arabic script was used in the past, the Latin script is used today with some additional diacritical marks.
literature
- Christiaan Snouck Hurgronje : The Achehnese. Volume 1 , Volume 2 , EJ Brill, Leiden 1906