Book title: Living as a Bidayuh in Today’s World
ISBN: 978-967-0054-15-5
Authors: Associate Professor DR Su-Hie Ting, Dr Florence Gilliam Kayad, Dr Yvonne Michelle Campbell, Damien Mikeng, Palisya Siew-Ching Ting, Amanda Myra Dickson, Hamidah Abdul Wahab, Denn Hoddle Chabok, Dr Collin Jerome
Publisher: UNIMAS Publisher
Publication Year: 2022
By Liliana Sheryn
Cultural differences should not separate us from each other, but rather cultural diversity brings a collective strength that can benefit all of humanity.
– Robert Alan, author
“Living as a Bidayuh in Today’s World” is an interesting and illuminating book that provides readers with a fascinating view into the lives of Sarawak’s Bidayuh people.
This book was a wonderful and fascinating read for me as someone who has always been interested in indigenous cultures and their way of life.
The book is divided into chapters, each of which delves into a different aspect of the Bidayuh culture, history, and struggles.
The authors’ writing style is engaging and accessible, allowing readers to easily follow along and remain involved throughout the book.
What struck me the most about the book was the authors’ deep respect and admiration for the Bidayuh people and their way of life.
One of the aspects of the book that I particularly liked was how it depicted the Bidayuh’s cultural heritage as well as traditions.
The authors did an outstanding job of highlighting the Bidayuh’s unique beliefs, customs, and practises, as well as showing how they have evolved over time in response to changing social and economic conditions.
Through the book, I was able to gain a better understanding and appreciation for the Bidayuh culture, as well as the role it plays in shaping the community’s identity and way of life.
Another aspect of the book that caught my attention was the exploration of the Bidayuh’s struggles against discrimination and inequality. As a minority group, the Bidayuh face many challenges related to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities.
The book sheds light on these issues and provides readers with a greater understanding of the systemic and structural barriers that prevent the Bidayuh people from achieving their full potential.
At the same time, the book emphasises the community’s resilience and resourcefulness in the face of adversity, which is truly inspiring.
What drew me in the most was the authors’ emphasis on the Bidayuh people’s agency and voice.
Through the book, the authors provide a platform for the Bidayuh voices and for perspectives to be heard, which is essential for any meaningful understanding of the community’s culture and challenges.
The authors’ approach is respectful and empathetic, and they make it apparent that the book is not simply about the Bidayuh but was written with and for them.
This makes the book a powerful tool for advocacy and social change, as it amplifies the Bidayuh’s voices and demands for justice and equality.
To summarise, “Living as a Bidayuh in Today’s World” is an excellent book for anyone interested in indigenous cultures, social justice, and human rights.
It’s a worthwhile and interesting read that provides readers with a better knowledge and appreciation for the Bidayuh community’s culture, history, and struggles.
The authors’ writing style is interesting and accessible, and their genuine regard and respect for the Bidayuh people is evident on every page.
The book is an important contribution to a broader discourse about indigenous peoples and their rights, and I believe it has the potential to inspire positive social change and meaningful interaction across diverse cultures and communities.
