Iban

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A language of Malaysia

ISO 639-3
iba
Alternate Names
Iban Sabah, Sea Dayak
Autonym
Jaku Iban
User Population

1,452,000 in Malaysia, all users. L1 users: 752,000 in Malaysia (2013 SIL), including 2,300 in 2 villages in Sabah (2013 A. Maraining). L2 users: 700,000 (2013 SIL). Total users in all countries: 1,482,800 (as L1: 782,800; as L2: 700,000).

Location

Sabah: Tawau district; Sarawak: scattered in all 12 divisions of Sarawak.

Language Maps
Language Status

3 (Wider communication). Spoken from Serian Division in the south west to Limbang Division in the north east in the domains of market, church, business, and media.

Classification
Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Malayo-Chamic, Malayic, Ibanic
Dialects

Batang Lupar, Bugau, Skrang, Dau, Lemanak, Ulu Ai, Undup, Sebuyau (Sabuyan, Sabuyau, Sibuian, Sibuyan, Sibuyau).

Typology

SVO.

Language Use

Positive attitudes. Used as L2 by Bukitan [bkn], Kajaman [kag], Kiput [kyi], Narom [nrm], Remun [lkj].

Language Development

Taught as subject in primary schools in Sarawak only. Taught at the Institute of Teacher Education Malaysia (for Bachelor of Teaching Primary School Iban Language) since 2014. Literature. Radio. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible: 1988–2011.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Iban
Writing

Latin script [Latn].

Other Comments

Largest language group in Sarawak.

Also spoken in:

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