Drive to save languages
The Malaysian government is launching a comprehensive database to document and preserve over 130 indigenous languages and dialects that are at risk of disappearing. This initiative aims to protect linguistic heritage for future generations through both written records and video documentation.
Why it matters
Preserving endangered languages is critical for maintaining cultural identity and historical diversity in a rapidly globalizing world.
A database of all local linguistic heritage in the works
PUTRAJAYA: Che Wong and Kensiu are languages people may have never heard about. Like Mah Meri, they are Orang Asli languages – and they are in danger of dying out.
However, there are other languages that are slowly dying too, like Melaka Portuguese, Baba Malay, Chitty Malay and Chinese dialects such as Kelantan Hokkien.
The government is now moving to save and protect all such languages, dialects and colloquial expressions.
They are being documented by the government to protect them for future generations to come, says Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang.
The National Unity Minister said creating a database of the hundreds of languages in Malaysia – from Orang Asli languages to the various state Malay dialects – is the first such effort of this scale.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in