Languages and Writing System

Almost all Acehnese are bilingual, since they are able to communicate fluently in both Indonesian language and their own mother tongues which, from the linguistic point of view, are classified into the Austronesian family. Some of the most common local languages are Aceh language (majority), Aneuk Jamee language (Part of South Aceh), Gayo language (Central, Southeast, and East Aceh), Alas language (Southeast Aceh), Tamiang language ( east of East Aceh), Simeuleu language (Simeuleu island), and Klut language (Klu ethnic group in South Aceh).

Each local language can be further subdivided into dialects. Aceh language, for instance, is spoken with slight differences in Aceh Besar, in Pidie, and in North Aceh. Similarly, in Gayo language there are Gayo Lut, Gayo Deret, and Gayo Lues dialects.

Local languages had been written in Malay Arabic writing system since the introduction of Islam. Latin-based writing system is now getting more popular and widely used.