Kelabit

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A language of Malaysia

ISO 639-3
kzi
Alternate Names
Kalabit, Kerabit
Autonym
Kelabit
User Population

4,000 in Malaysia (2011 SIL). Ethnic population: 5,000. Total users in all countries: 4,640.

Location

Sarawak: highest most remote Borneo mountains, Bario highlands.

Language Maps
Language Status

6b* (Threatened).

Classification
Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, North Borneo, North Sarawakan, Dayic, Kelabitic
Dialects

Pa’ Umor (spoken in Bario), Pa’ Dalih, Long Peluan, Long Lellang, Brung, Libbung, Lepu Potong, Tabun.

Language Use

Decreasingly used by the youth. All domains in the village. Positive attitudes. Most also use Lundayeh [lnd].

Language Development

Community mother-tongue based play school started in 2007 in Bario. Literature. Dictionary. Bible portions: 1965.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Kelabit
Writing

Latin script [Latn], developed in about 2009.

Other Comments

Strongly independent. Most live outside language area.

Also spoken in:

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