Basic Linguistics Course for Ethnic Language Teachers / Kursus Linguistik Asas untuk Guru-Guru Bahasa Etnik

The Ethnic Language Curriculum Project in Sabah is taking major steps forward in preserving and revitalizing endangered indigenous languages such as Kadazan, Lotud, Murut, and Tatana. Pilot classes for these languages are set to launch in 2025, and one of the most crucial skills needed by ethnic language teachers is a solid grounding in basic linguistics. Unfortunately, there are currently no institutions in Sabah offering foundational linguistics courses, which presents a challenge in preparing teachers to effectively teach these languages.

A strong understanding of basic linguistics will help teachers comprehend the structure and function of languages, boost their confidence in developing teaching materials, and enhance the overall quality of language instruction. Without this essential knowledge, the efforts to preserve these languages and cultures may fall short, and students may not fully benefit from their language education. Moreover, ethnic language teachers may face difficulties in delivering effective learning materials.

To address this, the Language and Linguistics Cluster at the Institute for Borneo Indigenous Studies (BorIIS), Universiti Malaysia Sabah, together with community language champions from the Kadazandusun Language Foundation (KLF) and the Summer Institute of Linguistics (SIL), will organize a Basic Linguistics Course for ethnic language teachers. This course is fully funded by the generous and visionary support of Yayasan Bank Rakyat. It is a crucial initiative, as it provides teachers with the foundational skills they need to teach these languages effectively, particularly for the upcoming Year 1 pilot classes under the Ethnic Language Curriculum.