The survival of Iban language will ensure Iban survival in Malaysia.

We have made BIG and IMPORTANT progress to bring Iban language as a medium for teaching and a subject for learning. The so called “Ad Hoc” committee of the Iban language forum and initiative should not feel slighted, patronized and even fear for what Tan Sri Jabu said during the closing ceremony. Not everything can be politicized and the Iban language development is definitely not a political issue.

Cultural Transmission

I am more interested to explain that with the proper development of the Iban language and being taught and use in learning will bring many benefits to the Iban. The first benefit is what psychologist called “Cultural transmission”. This is important for Dayak because it is our culture that make us being recognized as Iban. Our Iban wisdom and value system is also embedded in our Iban language. If an Iban do not understand the Iban language properly then such thing as idiom, rhyme, proper manner of speech which dictate proper behavior etc will be missing from their life. Many Iban symbols and rituals will not be understood which can lead an Iban to misunderstand the motives and objects of the Iban community. By so doing it would be simple matter for the Iban to adopt another culture.

Bottom line, cultural transmission create the Iban to be intelligent in thinking from the Iban perspective and therefore become an effective member of the community with proper root and vision.

What root and what vision?

Root denotes Iban history factual or otherwise as in the folklore. Vision denotes how the Iban perceived their future to be using Iban value systems and living principles. Iban value system – as an example is to work hard and be brave. An example of a living Iban principle is to always respect other people “adat”. We Iban even have a saying that says “kitai tinduk bepanggal ke pengigat lalu bejalai betungkat ke adat”. To remind us of our roots, vision and culture.

Our root is largely drawn from our oral history. Today, Radio Malaysia Sarawak Iban Section – how much of Dayak oral culture is being broadcast? Example pantun, dungai, ganu, melandai etc. Actually, many young Iban would rather listen to radio station of another language that play their favourite songs. From my personal observation many educated young Iban would even scorn at the pantun, melandai etc when it comes on air. To some young Iban these oral presentation is a sign of backwardness. For those who can appreciate and understand these oral presentation it is something they look forward to hear.

Bagi Iban Radio Sarawak

I do hope that those Iban working in “Bagi Iban” Radio Sarawak have a little bit more interest in putting on the air those Iban oral presentation. Also as has been practiced before, Iban songs must be vetted for the correct use of Iban language in its lyric. Many Iban song today are written using the Malay language simply because the young Iban generation has been deprived of learning the correct Iban language. We can say it is no fault of theirs but then today as we move forward with the development of the Iban language we should make correction in a step by step manner.

Even the Radio Announcer has been classified as “DJ” which is definitely wrong. It should be “penabur berita / lagu2 etc” but never a DJ.

Conclusion

We should not only give strong support for the development of Iban language. We should organize activities to promote the development of Iban language. Some ideas that can be pursued: (1) Speech competition using the Iban language (2) organizing Iban Oral Culture presentation (3) Writing short story competition and “Cerita lama” category.

We make sure we get in touch with the main body of the promoter of Iban language, find our own money to finance the program and get ourselves involves in the promotion of Iban language activities.

Change WE Must. The survival of the Iban language will guarantee the survival of Iban in Malaysia. - (Diambi ari blog DayakBaru.com)