Rungus

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A language of Malaysia

ISO 639-3
drg
Alternate Names
Dusun Dayak, Melobong Rungus, Memagun, Memogun, Momogun, Roongas, Rungus Dusun
Population

55,000 (2009 PCS). Ethnic population: 60,000.

Location

Sabah, Kudat and Bengkoka peninsulas surrounding Marudu bay; Marudu district south of Marudu bay; Labuk-Sugut district southeast of Marudu bay.

Language Maps
Language Status

6b (Threatened).

Classification
Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, North Borneo, Sabahan, Dusunic, Dusun
Dialects

Gandahon, Gonsomon, Nuluw, Pilapazan (Central Rungus, Rungus Tanga). Gonsomon and Nuluw most distinctive dialects. Gandahon is less distinct. Lexical similarity among dialects within 86%–96%.

Language Use

90% L1 speakers. All domains. All ages. Positive attitudes. Most are proficient in some form of Malay ([zsm] or [msi]).

Language Development
Literacy rate in L1: low for those over 45; much higher for those under 30. Literacy in L2: Standard Malay [zsm] literacy higher than Rungus; school language is Standard Malay [zsm]. Dictionary. NT: 1981.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Rungus
Writing
Latin script.
Other Comments

Reside on 2 peninsulas surrounding a bay and identify themselves by which side of the bay they come from. Self-identify as Momogun and have complex internal social and ethnic relationships (Appell 1965). There is a strong sense of Rungus ethnic identity across all dialect groups.