Who are the Belait? An ethnolinguistic inquiry

Abstract

This study sets out to address the question in the title, Who are the Belait?". The main aim of the study is to review the available literature on the ethnonym Belait2 and related groups, particularly the Lemeting. Data is provided which indicates that the modern-day Belait language is almost identical to Lemeting, a language hitherto presumed extinct following the migration of the group from the lower Baram into the Belait region, and subsequent assimilation into the population of that area. The importance of the language for comparative and historical Austronesian studies is briefly considered, and a preliminary statement on language use among the Belait today provided. The data for the latter is based on an on-going study of language use in Brunei Darussalam. Preliminary comments are offered here in an attempt to give this paper a broader outlook, in line with the guidelines set down by the committee of the Council.