Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Dusunic Language Preservation Association (KBDS) is rolling out two flagship initiatives this year to safeguard and revitalise the Dusunic language, with kindergarten children set to learn indigenous dialects and communities across three districts to showcase linguistic pride through cultural activities.
KBDS President Datuk Lawrence Gimbang announced the plans after chairing a committee meeting over the weekend, with Secretary-General Petrus Guriting also in attendance.
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The programmes – the Dusunic Language Community Project and the Karayahon Boros Dusunik (Pride of the Dusunic Language) – aim to embed the language in daily life and pass it on to younger generations.
Under the Dusunic Language Community Project, Lawrence said teaching and learning sessions for the Bundu dialect will begin at Kg Lingkudou and Kg Kinorotuan kindergartens in Ranau after March 2026.
A parallel initiative at Kg Togudon kindergarten, coordinated by Dr Linah Bagu @ Siti Nurlina Abdullah and Sitiminah Hj Sahat, will introduce both Bundu and Liwan languages to young learners.
He said adding that the programme is designed to position these dialects as active community languages, helping children build a foundation in their indigenous heritage from an early age.
“The Pride of the Dusunic Language programme, themed Koturompuson Boros (Language Fluency), will be held across three locations to engage broader communities.
“Scheduled for June 20 in Apin-Apin (Interior), July 18 in Ranau, and September 19 in Tuaran, it will feature three categories: Mogirurumo (group discussion) to encourage conversational use of the language, Monunturu (craftsmanship) to link traditional skills with linguistic terms, and Mananggarung (fashion) to showcase cultural attire while highlighting related vocabulary,” he stressed.
According to Lawrence, the initiative’s core goals are Popotonduli (Reviving), Popoburu (Developing), and Popotilombus (Continuing) the Dusunic language for future generations.
