Kelabit

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A language of Malaysia

ISO 639-3
kzi
Alternate Names
Kalabit, Kerabit
Population

4,000 in Malaysia (2011 SIL). Population total all countries: 4,640. Ethnic population: 5,000.

Location

North Sarawak, highest and most remote Borneo mountains, Bario highlands. Also in Indonesia.

Language Maps
Language Status

6b (Threatened).

Classification
Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, North Borneo, North Sarawakan, Dayic, Kelabitic
Dialects

Brung, Lepu Potong, Libbung, Long Lellang, Long Peluan, Pa’ Dalih, Pa’ Umor (spoken in Bario), Tabun.

Language Use

Decreasingly used by the youth. All domains in the village. Positive attitudes.

Language Development
Community mother-tongue based play school started in 2007 in Bario. Taught in primary schools. Dictionary. Bible portions: 1965.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Kelabit
Writing
Latin script, developed in about 2009.
Other Comments

Strongly independent. Most live outside language area.

Also spoken in:

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