MARUDI: A directory book spanning 194 pages on the Narum language was launched here today by the Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
The task of compiling these 2,500 words into a book was undertaken by Dewan Bahasa Dan Pustaka (DBP) Sarawak branch starting in 2017.
According to the DBP Sarawak branch deputy director, Abdul Rasid Subet, the book, titled “Daftar Kata Bahasa Melayu-Bahasa Narum,” aims to preserve the language, which is no longer spoken among the younger generation of the Narum ethnic group primarily residing in Marudi.
“The younger generation of the ethnic group has largely ceased speaking the language. This spurred DBP to collect and compile the Narum words into a book,” Abdul Rasid added.
For context, the Narum community speaks a language that belongs to a minority language group on the brink of linguistic extinction.
In terms of linguistic relations, there are similarities between the language of the Narum community and that of the Kenyah community.
The book is now available for purchase at RM25 per copy.
