Marginalisation of language: the case of Iban in Sarawak

Abstract

The Iban language, an indigenous language, was taught in certain schools in Sarawak. In the 1950s the Iban language was taught formally in schools. We note that attempts to formalise the teaching of Iban began with attempts by foreign missionaries to spread Christianity among the Ibans. To be fair, it would be said that the attempts to formalise the teaching of Iban was not due solely to attempts to spread the faith. Other aims were also taken into account and among these were (i) an attempt to develop the Iban language, (ii) promote the correct usage of grammar in the Iban language, (iii) to promote a correct use of the language, (iv) to facilitate Iban as a language of communication and (v) to promote reading in the Iban language. However, ever since the formation of the Federation of Malaysia, there has been a steady deterioration in the spread and use of Iban. It is noted that attempts to promote the study and use of the language has been half hearted. Many reasons could be proposed for this sad state of affairs.