# data[].attributes.body
Hi! I’m Aina Natasha, but Aina is short, sweet, and easier to yell. I’m known for loving a good yap I can talk for hours, especially when it’s about something I’m passionate about. And one thing I really love is language.

Language is more than just words. It’s how we share stories, express who we are, and keep cultures alive. In this assignment, I’ll be exploring the Malaysian Siamese, Kadazandusun, Baba Nyonya, Iban, and Minangkabau languages. Each one is unique and full of history.

So, get ready I’ve got lots to say, and I’m excited to share it with you!

# data[].attributes.body
Baba Nyonya in Malaysia

The Baba Nyonya, or Peranakan Chinese, are descendants of Chinese immigrants who married local Malays, creating a unique culture that blends Chinese and Malay traditions (Peranakan - myPenang, n.d.). They are known for their distinctive food, clothing, and customs.

They traditionally spoke Baba Malay, a mix of Malay and Chinese, but today many speak English or standard Malay instead (Peranakan Life Malaysia, n.d.).

# data[].attributes.body
🗣️ Baba Nyonya Language (Baba Malay)

The Baba Nyonya language, also known as Baba Malay, is a creole language that emerged from the blending of Malay and Hokkien (a Chinese dialect).It served as the mother tongue for the Peranakan Chinese community, particularly in Melaka and Penang (Ma’alip & Omar, 2018).

Key Features:

Grammar: Predominantly Malay-based.

Vocabulary: Incorporates numerous Hokkien terms.

Usage: Primarily a spoken language; reading and writing were often in Malay, English, or Chinese.

Over time, the use of Baba Malay has declined, especially among younger generations who tend to favour English, Mandarin, or standard Malay.Despite this, there remains a positive attitude towards preserving the language as a cultural heritage.

# data[].attributes.body
Introduction

Malaysia is home to a vibrant mix of cultures and ethnicities that have lived side by side for generations. While Malays form the majority, the nation is also shaped by Chinese, Indian, and other ethnic communities.

This Padlet aims to spotlight the rich linguistic diversity within these groups especially the lesser known and endangered languages. It’s a reminder that Malaysia is way more than just its three largest ethnicities. There’s a whole spectrum of voices and stories that deserve recognition. The languages explored here include

Malaysian Siamese , Kadazandusun, Baba Nyonya, Minangkabau, and Iban.

# data[].attributes.body
🗣️ Language of Kadazandusun The majority of Sabah, Malaysia's indigenous ethnic group speaks the Kadazandusun language. It includes a number of dialects, such as Tindal, Liwan, and Bundu. By fusing aspects of the Bundu and Liwan dialects, a standardised variant known as Bunduliwan was created to promote comprehension between both dialects. The goal of this standardisation is to encourage the usage of the language in media and education. Kadazandusun is being preserved and promoted through cultural initiatives run by groups such as the Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) and its inclusion in school curricula.

# data[].attributes.body
This picture shows the Baba Nyonya Language.

# data[].attributes.body
The Orang Siam Malaysia, also known as the Malaysian Siamese, are an ethnic Thai community primarily residing in northern Peninsular Malaysia, particularly in states like Kedah and Kelantan. They have been present in the area since prior to the 1909 Anglo-Siamese Treaty that defined the current borders (Supawadee & Tanasun, 2020). The majority practice Theravāda Buddhism and actively maintain their language and cultural traditions through temples and community activities (Khoo, 2012). Although they represent a small population, they are well assimilated into Malaysian society.

# data[].attributes.headline
Image: Kadazandusun Language, Alphabets and Pronunciation 

# data[].attributes.subject
Image: Kadazandusun Language, Alphabets and Pronunciation 

# data[].attributes.body
🗣️ The Iban Language The native Austronesian language known as Iban is mostly spoken in Sarawak, Malaysia, as well as in portions of Brunei and West Kalimantan, Indonesia. It is a member of the Malayo-Polynesian branch's Malayic subgroup. Although there are several varieties of the language, the Saribas dialect is regarded as the standard variety. For example, the Iban language has been taught as an elective in Malaysian primary and secondary schools since 1968 as part of efforts to maintain and further its use. Furthermore, the language has a standardised spelling, and Iban is aired on television and radio by a number of media entities.

# data[].attributes.body
Video about kadazandusun simple phrases.

# data[].attributes.body
Minangkabau Language in Malaysia

Minangkabau, spoken by the Minangkabau people, is found mainly in Negeri Sembilan and surrounding areas in Malaysia. It shares similarities with Malay but has distinct differences in vocabulary and pronunciation, influenced by its origins in West Sumatra.

Language Challenges

The language is facing decline due to urbanization and the dominance of Malay. Efforts to preserve it include developing digital resources (Reniwati et al., 2024).

# data[].attributes.body
🗣️ Use of Siamese in Malaysia Malay is the primary language used by the Siamese community in Malaysia for everyday communication, particularly in multicultural contexts. Nonetheless, the Thai language is still essential in families and is casually transmitted from parents to children, guaranteeing the survival of their linguistic legacy. Their capacity to speak two languages demonstrates their flexibility and dedication to maintaining their cultural identity (Ariffin, Abdullah, & Rahim, 2018).

# data[].attributes.headline
Video: How to speak like Peranakan (Baba Nyonya)

# data[].attributes.subject
Video: How to speak like Peranakan (Baba Nyonya)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to speak like a Peranakan | CNA Insider

# data[].attributes.headline
Journal Article: The use of Language by the Siamese Community and It's Influences. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Journal Article: The use of Language by the Siamese Community and It's Influences. 

# data[].attributes.body
Key points from the article:

1. The frequent use of the Malay language by the Siamese community significantly contributes to their smooth cultural integration with the local Malay population.

2. The Siamese maintain their heritage by speaking Siamese informally within families, while using Malay in public interactions.

3. Language similarity, especially in dialect, has fostered stronger social bonds and mutual understanding between the two communities.

# data[].attributes.headline
News Article: Peranakan Chinese Language to be included in DPB Dictionary 

# data[].attributes.subject
News Article: Peranakan Chinese Language to be included in DPB Dictionary 

# data[].attributes.body
Key points from the article :

- The Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) is collaborating with the Malaysia Baba and Nyonya Association to include a glossary of the Peranakan Chinese language in its dictionary.

- This initiative aims to preserve and recognize the hybrid language, which combines elements of Hokkien, Cantonese, Teochew, Malay, and Javanese dialects.

- The glossary is expected to be launched by next year, with hopes of sparking interest among the younger generation in the heritage language.

- The effort also seeks official recognition of the Peranakan Chinese community as a sub-ethnic group by the National Registration Department.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Peranakan Chinese language to be included in DBP dictionary

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
MELAKA: The inclusion of the Peranakan Chinese language glossary into the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka’s (DBP) dictionary is a step forward to recognise the contribution of the community towards the advancement of Bahasa Melayu, says Datuk Ronald Gan.

# data[].attributes.headline
Discover the Fascinating Siamese Language in Malaysia

# data[].attributes.subject
Discover the Fascinating Siamese Language in Malaysia

# data[].attributes.body
[ Watch on TikTok ]

https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSrbL5ucT/

This video show us how Malaysian Siamese sounds like.

# data[].attributes.body
Key Points:

Lenzely Salimin, a teacher in Kota Marudu, Sabah, has been appointed as the Kadazandusun language ambassador by the Sabah Cultural Board.

He utilizes social media platforms like Facebook and TikTok to teach and promote the Kadazandusun language, aiming to revive interest among the younger generation.

The Kadazandusun language is offered as an elective subject in 410 primary schools and 44 secondary schools in Sabah, with classes conducted for 1.5 hours per week over three sessions.

Despite being of Kadazandusun ethnicity, many students are not familiar with the language upon entering school, highlighting the need for increased exposure and education.

Lenzely emphasizes the importance of parents encouraging their children to learn the language to preserve their cultural heritage.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
A young teacher’s mission to keep Kadazandusun language alive | Scoop

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Teacher Lenzely Salimin is on a mission to revive the Kadazandusun people’s love for their own tongue, and then to spread knowledge about this indigenous language. Lenzely did not start not start out with this passion, but fell into it after being appointed ambassador of the Kadazandusun language by the Sabah Cultural Board, two years ago at the age of 25.

# data[].attributes.body
Khoo, S. N. (2012). Exploring shared history, preserving shared heritage: Penang's links to a Siamese past. The Siam Society.

Supawadee, P., & Tanasun, S. (2020). Plurality of the vernacular houses of Orang Siam in the northern states of Malaysia. Journal of the International Society for the Study of Vernacular Settlements (ISVS), 9(1), 38–49.

Ariffin, W. J., Abdullah, R., & Rahim, E. M. (2018). The use of language by the Siamese community and its influences on cultural integration: A case study in Kampung Keluang, Besut, Terengganu. International Journal of Engineering & Technology, 7(4.34), 180–183. https://doi.org/10.14419/ijet.v7i4.34.2383

[Watch on TikTok ]

https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSrbL5ucT/

Wan Yusoff, W. Z., Mat Saad, N., & Abdul Hamid, H. (2019). The use of language by the Siamese community and its influences on cultural integration: A case study in Kampung Keluang, Besut, Terengganu. International Journal of Engineering & Technology, 8(1.9), 364–367. https://doi.org/10.14419/ijet.v8i1.9.23883

# data[].attributes.body
Tangit, T. M. (2005). Planning Kadazandusun (Sabah, Malaysia): Labels, identity, and language* (Master’s thesis, University of Hawai’i at Mānoa). ScholarSpace. https://scholarspace.manoa.hawaii.edu/handle/10125/1161

https://www.omniglot.com/images/writing/kadazandusun.gif

https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSrEBPc33/

Chong, R. (2023, December 3). A young teacher’s mission to keep Kadazandusun language alive. Scoop. https://www.scoop.my/news/141423/a-young-teachers-mission-to-keep-kadazandusun-language-alive/

# data[].attributes.body
Peranakan - myPenang. (n.d.). Peranakan. https://mypenang.gov.my/culture-heritage/heritage-zones/peranakan/

Peranakan Life Malaysia. (n.d.). Who are the Peranakans? https://peranakanlife.com.my/about/

Ma’alip, S., & Omar, R. (2018). Penguasaan bahasa Baba-Nyonya dalam kalangan masyarakat Baba-Nyonya di Melaka. *Jurnal Melayu, 17*(2), 312–32.

https://youtu.be/oE8r4rCandM?si=A2QqRAL5G4bfuVye

https://images.app.goo.gl/uJEekbrbXnAg7Ynu5

The Star. (2024, August 4). Peranakan Chinese language to be included in DBP dictionary*. The Star. https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/08/04/peranakan-chinese-language-to-be-included-in-dbp-dictionary

# data[].attributes.headline
Journal Article Pengimbuhan kata dalam bahasa Iban: The affixation of words in Iban language

# data[].attributes.subject
Journal Article Pengimbuhan kata dalam bahasa Iban: The affixation of words in Iban language

# data[].attributes.body
Important Points:

Study of Iban Language Affixation Affix usage in the Iban language, particularly in folktales, is the main subject of the study (Bidi, Hassan, & Abang Suhai, 2022).

/be-/, /di-/, /te-/, /en-/, and /N-/ (nasalisation) were identified as key prefixes. These affixes reflect deeper facets of Iban grammar and are crucial in the formation of Iban verbs.

The primary source of data was Iban folklore texts. Future linguistic research is supported and the Iban linguistic heritage is preserved thanks to this work.

# data[].attributes.body
Antau, W. A., & Jamaludin, K. A. (2023). IBAN Language in National Education: Issues and Challenges. International Journal of Academic Research in Progressive Education and Development, 12(3), 2150–2160. https://hrmars.com/papers_submitted/19324/iban-language-in-national-education-issues-and-challenges.pf

https://inducustoms.wordpress.com/indu-languages/

https://ejournal.upsi.edu.my/index.php/PENDETA/article/view/7192

# data[].attributes.body
Important Points:

Minangkabau Language Lexical Variations According to Reniwati, Midawati, and Noviatri (2017), the study looks at the vocabulary differences between Minangkabau speakers in Peninsular Malaysia and West Sumatra.

To quantify linguistic variation and distance, researchers employed dialectometry.

The findings demonstrate distinct lexical changes brought about by Malaysia's cultural influence and geographic isolation.

The results support efforts to document and preserve regional varieties and highlight the impact of migration and location on language evolution (Reniwati et al., 2017).

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Lexical variations of Minangkabau Language within West Sumatra and Peninsular Malaysia: A dialectological study | Reniwati | Geografia-Malaysian Journal of Society and Space

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Lexical variations of Minangkabau Language within West Sumatra and Peninsular Malaysia: A dialectological study

# data[].attributes.body
Reniwati, M., Midawati, & Noviatri, R. (2017). Lexical variations of Minangkabau in Malaysia. Geografia, 13(3). Retrieved from http://ejournals.ukm.my/gmjss/issue/view/974

Reniwati, M., Midawati, & Noviatri, R. (2024). Developing the Minangkabau language corpus. ResearchGate. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/384390459

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/365618713/figure/tbl4/AS:11431281098674864@1669045018845/Changes-in-diphthong-ua-in-Minangkabau-Pondok-dialect.png

Reniwati, R., Midawati, M., & Noviatri, N. (2017). Lexical variations of Minangkabau language within West Sumatra and Peninsular Malaysia: A dialectological study. Geografia: Malaysian Journal of Society and Space, 13(3), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.17576/geo-2017-1303-01