The Kadazan-English-Malay Webonary, a digital dictionary initiative spearheaded by the Kadazandusun Language Foundation, is revolutionizing efforts to preserve the Kadazan language in Sabah, Malaysia. This comprehensive platform offers a vital resource for language learners, educators, and writers, ensuring cultural continuity in the digital age.
KOTA KINABALU, March 24 As modernisation and the dominance of global languages increasingly influence how communities communicate, concerted efforts are underway to preserve ethnic languages, ensuring that cultural roots and local identities are not eroded.
The Kadazandusun Language Foundation (KLF), in partnership with various organisations, associations, and local educational institutions, has pioneered the Kadazan-English-Malay Webonary, a groundbreaking initiative leveraging digital technology to preserve and develop the Kadazan language. KLF chairman Datuk Philip Lasimbang underscores the collective responsibility in safeguarding mother tongues, recognizing the alarming decline in the use of ethnic languages. He emphasizes the critical need for all stakeholders to actively defend these languages, as the loss of a language signifies the loss of a people's identity. The Webonary, conceived as a socio-cultural project, aims to broaden access to Kadazan vocabulary, currently housing over 30,000 Kadazan entries and nearly 29,000 Malay entries. This milestone marks significant progress in the digital development of indigenous lexicography. The platform was officially launched by Sabah Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Ewon Benedick in celebration of International Mother Language Day in February. Philip highlights the Webonary's role in providing crucial reference materials for higher education institutions and intensifying translation efforts, given the scarcity of existing resources in the Kadazan language. Over its 31-year history, KLF has consistently championed the development of local ethnic languages in Sabah, including contributing to the production of the Timugon Dictionary (Murut language), a project spanning 13 years.\Speaking to Bernama, Kadazan youth have lauded the Kadazan-English-Malay Webonary as a timely solution to address the lack of reference materials while preserving the distinctiveness of their native dialects and vocabulary. Maklinus Antang, a 43-year-old civil servant from Kota Kinabalu, views the digital dictionary as a practical approach to elevating Sabah's ethnic languages, ensuring their linguistic heritage remains prominent. He emphasizes that the platform aids younger generations, who may have limited proficiency in their mother tongue, by offering a structured reference encompassing vocabulary, grammar, and accurate pronunciation. Maklinus believes the Webonary offers a vital tool for language acquisition, ensuring the Kadazan language remains relevant and is passed down to future generations. He also sees the platform as an opportunity for individuals from other ethnic groups to learn about the Kadazan language and provides a comprehensive reference for ethnic writers seeking accurate vocabulary for literary works. Connie Fred Mojuli, a 42-year-old housewife from Penampang, commends the multilingual dictionary's value in assisting younger generations in learning Sabah's ethnic languages systematically. Raised in a mixed Kadazan and Dusun family, Connie understands the importance of consistent use of ethnic languages at home to maintain family identity. She hopes the Webonary's reach will extend to schools in Sabah, empowering students to strengthen their command of ethnic vocabulary while navigating the influence of other commonly used languages.\During the platform's launch, Datuk Ewon Benedick emphasized that the Webonary is more than just a repository of vocabulary; it functions as a living archive and an open learning space, guaranteeing cultural continuity in the digital age. He underscores its contribution to the preservation of Sabah's indigenous communities' cultural heritage, a vital socio-cultural treasure at both national and global levels. He believes that by strengthening the language, society and the identity of indigenous people are fortified. By bolstering indigenous language resources, the initiative supports inclusive education, cultural sustainability, and digital equity, aligning with the aspirations of education for sustainable development and the Sustainable Development Goals. This collaborative effort between KLF and various stakeholders signifies a crucial step in preserving the linguistic and cultural heritage of Sabah, ensuring that future generations can connect with their roots while embracing the modern world. The Webonary stands as a testament to the power of digital tools in safeguarding cultural identity and promoting linguistic diversity, offering a vital resource for both Kadazan speakers and those interested in learning more about this rich cultural heritage. This project reflects a commitment to protecting and promoting the Kadazan language and culture
Kadazan Language Webonary Digital Dictionary Cultural Preservation Sabah
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Sabah Residents in Raya Outfits Plunge into Sea After Bridge Collapses on First Day of AidilfitriA distressing incident occurred on the first day of Hari Raya Aidilfitri in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, when several Pulau Gaya residents fell into the sea
Read more »
Sabah to pioneer nation’s first wind energy projectMarch 19 (Reuters) - OpenAI is planning to unify its ChatGPT app, coding platform Codex and browser into a desktop 'superapp' to simplify user experience, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday.
Read more »
Act now to tackle anticipated water shortages, Sabah govt urgedMarch 19 (Reuters) - OpenAI is planning to unify its ChatGPT app, coding platform Codex and browser into a desktop 'superapp' to simplify user experience, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday.
Read more »
Sabah’s 40pc revenue claim negotiations cannot be rushed, says former Rela state honorary presidentKOTA KINABALU, March 23 — Former honorary president of Persatuan Ahli-Ahli Kehormat Ikatan Relawan Rakyat Malaysia (Rela) Negeri Sabah, Datuk Jerry Ambuting Mohd Said, said...
Read more »
Sabah ready to act on water shortages during dry spell, says Deputy CMMarch 19 (Reuters) - OpenAI is planning to unify its ChatGPT app, coding platform Codex and browser into a desktop 'superapp' to simplify user experience, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday.
Read more »
Sabah to Host Moderate Hari Raya Aidilfitri CelebrationThe Sabah government will hold a Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration at the Sabah International Convention Centre, expecting 20,000 visitors. The event will feature food, performances, contributions to orphans, and promote community ties. It also marks the start of the SMJ 2.0 development agenda and provides economic opportunities for local businesses.
Read more »