Ebook: Old Javanese (Kawi)

Translated from russian and edited with a preface by John M. Echols

This is a translation of Теселкин А.С. Древнеяванский язык (кави) which was published in Moscow in 1963. It provides a brief survey of the phonology, morphology and syntax of Old Javanese and thus resembles a "structural sketch." It also gives a short description of the literature and of the scholarship in this field. While it is true that there are several detailed studies of Old Javanese by Dutch and Indonesian scholars in Dutch and Indonesian respectively, as well as numerous textbooks in Indonesian, the translator is not aware of any other concise overall statement of this language. It is hoped that this translation will serve as an introduction to the lan- ■ guage for the non-specialist and will also make this work available to a wider audience. When one considers the present state of Old Javanese studies, it is not likely that scholars will agree with everything in this book. Perhaps this survey will serve to stimulate further discussion and research.
The editor has provided a glossary of all Old Javanese words cited in the text and has cross-referenced affixed forms to their bases.
In the bibliography are to be found all items cited in the text together with Prof. E. M. Uhlenbeck's indispensable A Critioat Survey of Studies on the Languages of Java and Madurg. The latter contains all publications which appeared prior to 1964. Also listed in the brief bibliography are several significant items which have been published since the appearance of Prof. Uhlenbeck's bibliographical survey.