Makasar Unicode Block

The Unicode block "Makasar" is a fascinating collection of characters that represents the traditional script used by the Makassar people of South Sulawesi, Indonesia. This script, also referred to as "Lontara," was historically used for writing the Makassarese language. Characterized by its distinct curvilinear forms, the Makasar script is part of the larger family of Brahmic scripts, which were prevalent throughout the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. With its inclusion in Unicode, the Makasar block plays a crucial role in the digital preservation and revitalization of a script that embodies a rich cultural and historical heritage. This block ensures that the Makassar people's written legacy can be accessed, studied, and utilized in modern computational contexts, thereby bridging past and present.

The Unicode block for Makasar, ranging from U+11EE0 to U+11EFF, comprises a set of 25 characters. These characters include a variety of consonant and vowel symbols that enable the representation of the language's phonetic sounds. The inclusion of Makasar in Unicode not only facilitates scholarly research and linguistic endeavors but also supports cultural initiatives and educational programs aimed at preserving indigenous knowledge systems. Providing digital access to the Makasar script encourages its use in a variety of digital platforms, fostering cultural expression and identity among the Makassar community and other interested parties worldwide. Through this integration, the Unicode Consortium acknowledges the value of preserving linguistic diversity, underscoring the importance of minority scripts in the global tapestry of written communication.

View a range of fonts that support the Makasar block.

Below you will find all the characters that are in the Makasar unicode block. Currently there are 25 characters in this block.