Mah Meri
PrintPrimary tabs
A language of Malaysia
Alternate Names
Besisi, Cellate, Hma’ Btsisi’, Ma’ Betisek, “Orang Sabat” (pej.)
User Population
2,990 (2003 COAC). Ethnic population: 3,680 (2008 JHEOA).
Location
Putrajaya, Negeri Sembilan, and Selangor: coastal areas; islands off the coasts.
Language Maps
Language Status
6b* (Threatened).
Dialects
Kuala Langot Besisi, Malakka Besisi, Ulu Langat Orang Bukit, Selangor Sakai, Betise’ (Betisek), Sisi.
Typology
30 consonants and 9 vowels; stress on final syllable.
Language Use
Most children are monolingual when they enter preschool at age four (Kruspe 2010). All also use Malay [zlm] (Bradley 2007a).
One dialect became extinct late 19th century, others have become extinct. Traditional religion.