How Do You Spell MAKASSAR?

Pronunciation: [mɐkˈasə] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "Makassar" can be a bit tricky, but it follows a consistent pattern once you understand the IPA phonetic transcription. The IPA for "Makassar" is /məˈkæsər/. This means that the first syllable is pronounced "muh" with a short "u" sound, the second is "kass" with a short "a" and double "s", and the final syllable is "er" with a neutral vowel sound. So, when writing "Makassar", remember to use a double "s" and an "a" instead of an "o" to accurately reflect its typical pronunciation.

MAKASSAR Meaning and Definition

1. Makassar is a word that can be used as a noun or an adjective and has several meanings associated with it.

   As a noun, Makassar refers to a major city in Indonesia located on the southwestern coast of the island of Sulawesi. It is the capital of the South Sulawesi province and is one of the largest cities in the country. Historically, Makassar was an important trading port due to its strategic location that facilitated trade routes between the East and the West. The city has a rich cultural heritage, known for its vibrant markets, traditional crafts, and unique cuisine.

   As an adjective, Makassar can describe the culture, language, or people of Makassar. The Makassar culture is characterized by its strong traditions, including music, dance, and religious ceremonies. The Makassar language, also known as Buginese, is predominantly spoken by the Makassar people and is part of the Austronesian language family.

   Additionally, Makassar can also refer to a type of cloth or fabric originating from Makassar. It is traditionally made from silk, featuring intricate patterns that are typically handwoven. The fabric is known for its luxurious feel and is often used in the creation of special occasion garments, such as traditional wedding dresses or batik sarongs.

   Overall, Makassar encompasses various meanings relating to a city, culture, language, and fabric, all contributing to an understanding of the diverse aspects associated with this term.

Etymology of MAKASSAR

The word "Makassar" is derived from two words in the Makassarese language, which is spoken by the Makassarese people in South Sulawesi, Indonesia.

The first part of the word, "maka", is believed to come from the Makassarese word "manging", which means to run or flee. This is likely due to the historical association of the Makassarese people with piracy and trade across the Southeast Asian seas.

The second part of the word, "sara", translates to land or place. Therefore, "Makassar" is thought to mean "a place of running" or "a place of escape" in the Makassarese language, reflecting the region's historical connections to piracy and its strategic position as a major port during the era of maritime trade.