Completed Essay

Introduction

Of the 7000 languages practised around the globe at the moment, it is estimated that almost half are at risk of becoming extinct within the next 100 years (Wilford, 2007). In the state of Sabah in Malaysia, the Kadazandusun language is used by about 500,000 people. Kadazandusun is the term assigned to the unification of the classification of two indigenous groups of people in Sabah, which are the ethnic groups of Kadazan and Dusun. On the other hand, the term ‘Kadazandusun’ language is the official name of the shared language used. More recently, the word has been used as a general umbrella term for both Kadazan and Dusun people and their language.” (Rita, 2004). It is the Penampang dialect of Kadazan which became the basis for the standardised Kadazandusun language used in Sabah today. According to Banker and Banker (1984), the Kadazan or Dusun language consists of a chain of dialects that are reasonably understood by neighbouring communities. But because the language differs in varying degrees, communication between members from one end of the chain to the other may be more difficult. For example, between Coastal Kadazan speakers in the south, and Central Dusun speakers in the north. This essay will discuss about Kadazandusun language being on the verge of extinction and propose a solution by creating a Kadazandusun learning portal to preserve the Kadazandusun language in Sabah.

Background paragraph

It is important to explore the background of the problem in order to understand the circumstances that have led to the Kadazandusun language's decline. The Kadazandusun community only began to identify with the now-apparent language loss in the early 1980s. Less than half of 800,000 Kadazandusun people speak their native language, and of those 75% are above 45 years old. Less than 5% of those under 25 years old can speak their language (Scholz, 2006). Before the formation of the federation of Malaysia in 1957, the Kadazandusun language was the dominant language in the state of Sabah. However, the formation of the federation of Malaysia caused the declaration of Malay as the official language. This transition period has caused a language shift that threatens the Kadazandusun language’s dominance in Sabah (Damian, n.d.).

The main cause of language extinction is due to the fact that a majority of Kadazandusun parents nowadays are not communicating with their children in the native language. This may be due to the fact that educated parents prefer to speak to their children in languages other than Kadazandusun because they believe that it will boost their children’s academic performance (Kadazanhomeland, n.d.). Another reason is due to parents’ own lack of proficiency and understanding for Kadazandusun language. In this case, parents fail to inculcate in their children the love of their mother tongue as there may be lack of attachment towards one’s own culture and roots (Kadazanhomeland, n.d.). Furthermore, in vernacular schools, the two major languages being taught are English language and Malay language. Laijun (2015) stated that these two languages are considered as languages of other race and do not need much allocation in order to thrive thereby overshadowing the use of other native languages in Sabah.

Previously, Kadazandusun Language Foundation (KLF) which is a non-profit organization was established in 1995 with the objectives of preserving, developing, and promoting the Kadazandusun language (Rita, 2004). KLF has been particularly concerned with mobilizing the Kadazandusun community towards taking increasing responsibility for the development of the language. Activities such as language training, writers training workshops, production of local literature have been conducted by KLF (Rita, 2004). The foundation is a good start yet it is insufficient to inculcate a widespread love for Kadazandusun language especially among the younger generation. It is evident that much needs to be done to revive the use of the Kadazandusun language before it is too late.

Body Paragraph

One solution to the issue is to create an online learning portal to promote the use of Kadazandusun language among the general public. In the advanced world we are living in today, technology and electronic gadgets are considered as necessities. Thus, with this in mind, the initiative to promote Kadazandusun language through an online learning portal might be a promising solution. An official website or learning portal can be established to promote Kadazandusun language among the community especially the younger generation as they are the pioneers to a better tomorrow. This portal will likely promote interaction among the public whereby the communities can interact and help each other with the language. KLF recognizes that community involvement and acceptance is vital to the survival of the language (Rita & Trixie, 2000).

Over the years, KLF has been doing translation services for brochures, press releases and patriotic songs (Rita, 2004). The proposed learning portal can therefore offer translation services to the general public. Besides, a Kadazandusun online dictionary or dual-language dictionary can be incorporated in the online learning portal. Previously, an English-Malay-Kadazandusun Beginner’s Dictionary has been released in Sabah (Rita & Miller, 1995). Online dictionaries may prove useful to the public who are always on the go. Through the portal, various promotional activities can also be conducted such as “Learn a Word a Day” column, , chat groups or forums, and Kadazandusun related competitions. Last but not least, the online learning portal can also include entertainment such as songs and music videos in the Kadazandusun language. Kadazandusun ritual chanting and songs are usually performed in traditional celebrations (Rita, 2004) and these recordings can be uploaded online . This will possibly attract youths as they favour entertainment. This approach will also help the viewers learn the Kadazandusun language in a more engaging manner.

This solution is feasible as it is extremely relevant to the younger generation today who use gadgets and surf the Internet on a daily basis. According to Scholz (2006), technology is an effective method to reach out to youth especially as an educational tool. Using the Internet, it is possible for us to reach out to a wide amount of audience in order to promote the use of the Kadazandusun language. However, this solution has a weakness as well since it relies heavily on strong Internet connectivity. Internet connection is not entirely stable and dependable in the rural areas of Sabah (Su & Fung, 2014), therefore the learning portal may not be accessible to unprivileged villagers living beyond the urban areas.

Conclusion

The Kadazandusun language represents the identity of the people of Sabah, and therefore efforts should be made to prevent the language from becoming out of use, both at home and in educational institutions such as schools. By establishing an official online learning portal, there is hope to reach a wider amount of audience in a fun and engaging manner. Language is a significant part of culture and should therefore be given due emphasis.

References

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Damian, M. P. (n.d.) Language Shift and Attitude to Kadazandusun. Retrieved from

http://www.pluricentriclanguages.org/ndv-conf-graz-2015/ABSTRACTS/022-D.%20M.%20Podtung-

Language%20shift%20and%20attitude%20to%20Kadazandusun.htm

Kadazanhomeland. (n.d.) Speak daily in Kadazan language to preserve it. Retrieved from

http://www.kadazanhomeland.com/kadazan-language.html

Laijun, J. (2015, April 8). Native Mother Tongue Dilemma. Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.

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Rita, L., & Miller. (1995). Kadazandusun-english-malay dictionary. Kota Kinabalu:

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Rita, L., & Trixie, K. (2000). Changing the language ecology of kadazandusun: the role of

kadazandusun language foundation. Publication in Building Terminology in the Kadazandusun

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Scholz, H. (2006). Kadazandusun - A Language Dilemma. The Flying Dusun Sdn Bhd.

Retrieved from http://www.flyingdusun.com/004_Features/024_KDlanguage.htm

Su, H. T., & Fung, L. T. (2014). Vitality of Kadazandusun language in Sabah, Malaysia. Asia-Pacific

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