THE Iban community has been urged to avoid disputes regarding standardisation of the language.
Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) Sibu chairman Chambai Lindong said debate frequently arose among Iban folk from various districts, claiming that their district’s spelling, dialect or pronunciation was the correct form.
“Currently, there is only one standardised Iban language system being used in schools, particularly for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) exam.
“This is the standard system, and we must adhere to it.
“Engaging in arguments over which regional variant is superior is unproductive, as the Iban language now follows a more comprehensive and established system, benefitting our students,” he said.
Embracing and respecting this system was important for continued growth and future of the language in Sarawak and Malaysia as a whole, he said during the Iban Language Excellence Programme held at SMK Sungai Merah.
Chambai said the current system was effective and had the potential to drive the Iban language towards a brighter future for younger generations.
“SDNU remains committed to supporting efforts to develop and uplift the Iban language.
“This is one of our objectives for the benefit of future generations.”
Chambai also suggested local educators organise Iban language speaking competitions to boost interest in the language among the younger generation.
He said SDNU Sibu would support such an initiative, which was rarely conducted.
On the Iban Language Excellence Programme, Chambai said it marked the third consecutive year of SDNU Sibu’s collaboration with the Sibu District Education Office.
He urged students participating in the programme to take full advantage of the opportunity to enhance their Iban skills, especially in preparing for SPM.
Academic Excellence Programme (Pocem) Project chairman and SDNU Sibu Education Bureau head Johnady Janton said the programme, organised in collaboration with the bureau’s Iban Language Resource Pool, aimed at providing students with guidance and techniques for answering SPM Iban language examination questions.
The one-day programme was attended by about 150 students and 16 teachers from eight secondary schools around Sibu. — By ANDY CHUA
