Kadazan-English-Malay Webonary goes ‘live’, opening 30,000 words to the world

Digital Lexicon Unlocks 30,000 Kadazan Words, Bridging Heritage and Modernity

In a significant leap for indigenous language preservation, a comprehensive online dictionary, the Kadazan Webonary, has officially launched, offering the public unprecedented access to a vast repository of Kadazan vocabulary. This digital initiative, unveiled by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick, marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to safeguard and revitalize one of Sabah's prominent ethnic languages.

A Digital Lifeline for Endangered Tongues

The Kadazan Webonary, a project meticulously developed by the Sabah Kadazandusun Language Foundation (KLF), went live on February 16, just days before International Mother Language Day. This timely release underscores the urgency and importance of preserving linguistic diversity in an increasingly digital world.

The platform currently boasts an impressive collection of over 30,000 Kadazan entries, meticulously cross-referenced with English and Malay. This extensive database is not merely a static collection of words; it represents a dynamic tool designed to foster understanding, learning, and continued development of the Kadazan language.

Datuk Ewon Benedick expressed profound satisfaction with the achievement, hailing it as a testament to the dedication in advancing the lexicography of indigenous languages in a digital format. He emphasized that this project transcends mere linguistic documentation; it is a socio-cultural endeavor deeply rooted in the commitment to nurture Sabah's ethnic languages through a synergistic blend of education and cutting-edge technology.

“This Webonary is particularly exciting because it democratizes access to Kadazan vocabulary,” Benedick stated. “By making it openly available online, we are not only expanding its reach but also strengthening our collective efforts to standardize the language's lexicography.”

The initiative is seen as crucial for ensuring the Kadazan language remains not only relevant within the educational ecosystem but also vibrant and accessible in the contemporary digital landscape. This forward-thinking approach acknowledges that language survival in the 21st century hinges on its ability to adapt and thrive in online spaces.

Benedick extended his gratitude to the KLF and its strategic partners, including linguistic consultants, technical experts, and invaluable community contributors, whose collective efforts were instrumental in bringing this ambitious project to fruition. Their collaboration highlights the power of a unified approach in tackling complex cultural preservation challenges.

Empowering Learning and Research Through Digital Access

The Webonary, as a digital dictionary, is poised to become a powerful engine for disseminating the Kadazan language. Its open digital access ensures that it can reach a far wider audience than traditional printed materials ever could.

This platform is designed to be a cornerstone for language learning, a reliable reference for researchers, and a valuable resource for writers and educators. It provides a robust vocabulary base that is essential for anyone seeking to engage with or study the Kadazan language.

The core philosophy behind the Webonary is to ensure that the language remains not just alive, but actively used. By providing an easily accessible and modern platform, it caters to the learning preferences of younger generations, enabling them to communicate, create, and connect through their mother tongue.

The Penampang Member of Parliament reassured the public that this technological advancement serves to bolster the culture, rather than replace it. It offers a practical and accessible tool for students, teachers, researchers, writers, and the wider community, fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding of the Kadazan heritage.

A Synergistic Approach: Webonary and IPBES

The development of the Kadazan Webonary is not an isolated event but rather a crucial component of a broader initiative to promote ethnic languages in Sabah. It builds upon and complements the foundational work of the Sabah Ethnic Language Education Initiative (IPBES).

IPBES, a collaborative effort involving the KLF, the Sabah Ethnic Language Association (SELA), Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), and numerous other educational partners, has been instrumental in introducing and teaching four key ethnic languages – Kadazan Tangaa, Murut Timogun, Dusun Lotud, and Tatana – in primary schools across the state.

The Kadazan-English-Malay Webonary is viewed as a natural digital extension of IPBES. While IPBES focuses on the pedagogical aspects, curriculum development, and classroom implementation, the Webonary provides the essential linguistic infrastructure to support these educational efforts.

This digital resource enhances learning by offering readily available vocabulary, aiding in the development of language skills, and facilitating ongoing linguistic research. It bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, making the learning process more engaging and effective.

Benedick highlighted that the Webonary allows for the dissemination of standardized language resources, which can then evolve dynamically. In essence, IPBES lays the groundwork for language education, while the Webonary amplifies its reach and accessibility through digital means.

The Road Ahead: Pilot Programs and Government Support

The implementation of IPBES has seen pilot classes successfully conducted in selected primary schools in Penampang, Tuaran, and Kuala Penyu. The project awaits a comprehensive report from the research team appointed by SELA, based at UMS.

Benedick expressed his keen interest in reviewing this report, underscoring his personal commitment to supporting such pilot projects. He believes that the findings from these trials will provide a solid foundation for the government to consider broader implementation of ethnic language education in schools statewide.

The launch of the Webonary serves as a powerful reminder that language preservation is a collective responsibility. Every documented word, every user who engages with the platform, and every child who learns their mother tongue represents a vital investment in the enduring legacy of indigenous culture in Sabah.

Benedick urged all stakeholders to ensure the continued growth and evolution of the Webonary. It is envisioned as a critical language infrastructure that empowers future generations of indigenous people, ensuring that modernization enriches, rather than diminishes, their heritage and identity.

The ceremony also celebrated linguistic achievement with the presentation of the Tan Sri Bernard Dompok Literary Award to the winners of the Kadazandusun language novel competition, organized by KLF. The event, held at the Huguan Siou Hall in Kg Tuavon Penampang, was attended by distinguished guests, including Tan Sri Bernard Giluk Dompok and Moyog State Assemblyman Datuk Donald Mojuntin, alongside KLF Chairman Datuk Philip Lasimbang and representatives from strategic partner organizations.