PETALING JAYA – Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg said serious efforts must be made to ensure ethnic languages in the state are not wiped out due to globalisation.
The state premier said Sarawak is blessed with numerous ethnic communities that speak their own native languages.
“These include Iban, Sarawak Malay, Bidayuh, Melanau and Kayan.
“Certain languages have since been classified as endangered which include Miriek, Kelabit and Punan, while Kiput, Naron and Selakau are on the brink of danger,” The Borneo Post quoted him as saying.
He was speaking at the officiating ceremony of the International Borneo Lexicology and Lexicography Conference 2023 and the launching of the Sarawak-Malay Malay dictionary during a ceremony at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak in Kuching, today.
His speech was read by state Deputy Women, Childhood and Community Development Minister, Datuk Rosey Yunus.
Abang Johari said there needs to be proper planning to safeguard languages considered assets to a country, and not let them become extinct due to a lack of usage or documentation.
During the two-day conference, the premier said local and international experts will share ideas on efforts to preserve ethnic languages that are considered our heritage.
He also lauded the launch of the Sarawak Malay dictionary that contains over 13,000 words of the Sarawak Malay dialect.
“This can serve as a reference for the public and researchers in the future.
“Some of the Sarawakian words in the dictionary include ‘merarau’, which is a word that originated from Iban that means having lunch,” he added. – The Vibes, October 25, 2023
