- Author:
- Crawfurd, John
- Publication Info:
-
Edinburgh:
A. Constable,
1820,
pg 13
Text on page 13
OF JAVA.
IX
cal grammar, and the result is an awkward combination of letters. On such occasions, the native princes will condescend to issue a dispensation in their behalf ; for such subjects are, with them, matters of interest and moment.
Sounds, in the Javanese language, have often an analogy to the sense, as in other languages. It is not enough, indeed, that this analogy is preserved i the language often aims at stating the degree of it, by the use, according to circumstances, of the broader or weaker vowels, or by adopting liquids in some cases, and harsh consonants in others. The Javanese writers delight in an assemblage of such words, when they attempt subjects of awe or terror ; and, no doubt, they must have a powerful effect on the ear of a native.
The Javanese language, in common with every other language of the Indian Isles, does not a-bound in figurative modes of expression ; such as have, by some, been imagined to be characteristic of the language of all barbarians, and especially of those of the East. Nothing, indeed, can be more adverse to the genius of the Javanese than a figurative and hyperbolical style We see, indeed, a good deal of this in the poetry borrowed from the Hindus of Western India ; but the observation now made strictly applies to writings purely Javanese, to their epistolary correspondence, andThe Javanese language, in common with every other language of the Indian Isles, does not a-bound in figurative modes of expression ; such as have, by some, been imagined to be characteristic of the language of all barbarians, and especially of those of the East. Nothing, indeed, can be more adverse to the genius of the Javanese than a figurative and hyperbolical style We see, indeed, a good deal of this in the poetry borrowed from the Hindus of Western India ; but the observation now made strictly applies to writings purely Javanese, to their epistolary correspondence, and
