Enhancing the Transliteration of Words written in Javanese Script through Augmented Reality

Abstract

In the Special Region of Yogyakarta Province and Central Java Province, where most of the population is Javanese, the use of Javanese script in daily life is increasingly replaced by Latin script, endangering the further loss of the Javanese identity. This research describes the development of marker-based Augmented Reality (AR) technology to create a Javanese word-reading application. The markers in printed Javanese characters are taken from a Javanese script manuscript entitled Hamong Tani. The markers can be arranged in various ways by the user to form words, with the maximum number of markers that make up words being 5. Whenever the camera is aimed at a row of markers that make up words, additional information will come out as translation results written in Latin. The results of testing the application called Jawalens, which was developed deploying the Multimedia Development Life Cycle (MDLC) method, on 38 users show that it has high levels of usefulness, satisfaction, and ease of use. It is hoped that Jawalens can help the younger generation re-learn and read Javanese scripts. Apart from that, the development method described in this paper is expected to inspire the younger generation in other regions or countries to develop similar applications, and thus help preserve their ancient scripts.