Examining the Forms and Variations of the Lampung Script in Ancient Manuscripts

Abstract

The study of the Lampung script's forms and variations in ancient manuscripts is a branch of linguistics concerned with the script's evolution. We made observations on the Lampung script on two ancient manuscripts, the NLP97N69 and the Hahiwang. Both manuscripts are housed separately. The NLP97N69 manuscript was found in Indonesia, whereas the Hahiwang in Germany. A philological and paleographic approach was adopted to investigate the Lampung script's forms and variations in the ancient manuscripts. Both manuscripts were examined in conjunction with a presentation of the scriptwriter's Lampung script. After raising the Lampung script, it was compared to the current script and Van der Tuuk's script table. Discrepancies were found out between the characters in the two manuscripts, the contemporary script, and Van der Tuuk's table. Furthermore, the gha script was found out to be unique to the NLP97N69 manuscript. It was created in an attempt to meet the needs of Lampung language users who desired a unique script that incorporated the gha sound. This study demonstrates that the Lampung script has evolved and changed over time in response to its users' needs. Additionally, the article discusses the implications and future directions for research.