Jawi: Meaning (information, definition, explanation, facts)

Jawi is an adapted Arabic alphabet for writing the Malay language.

Introduction

The Jawi alphabet is a style of writing that has existed for many centuries in Nusantara. Its development is linked with the arrival of Islam in Nusantara. The Jawi alphabet is composed of Arabic alphabet that are adapted for writing Malay. The Jawi alphabet is one of the earliest alphabet used for writing Malay. Jawi has been in use since since the era of Pasai Islam, to the era of the Sultanate of Malacca, Sultanate of Johor and also Acheh in the 17th century. Evidence of this is found in the Terengganu Tablet (Batu Bersurat Terengganu), dated 702H or 1303M, whereas the earliest use of Roman alphabet is found near the end of the 19th century.

• H.S. Paterson (& C.O. Blagden), 'An early Malay Inscription from 14th-century Trengganu', Journ. Mal. Br.R.A.S., II, 1924, pp. 258-263.
• R.O. Winstedt, A History of Malaya, revised ed. 1962, p. 40.
• J.G. de Casparis, Indonesian Paleography, 1975, p. 70-71.