Lun Bawang language

The Lun Bawang language, also known as Buri' Tau, Lundayeh language, or Putoh, is spoken by the Lun Bawangs. They live in northern Borneo. This language is part of the Malayo-Polynesian family. This family includes many languages spoken across Southeast Asia and the Pacific.

Learning about the Lun Bawang language helps us understand the rich cultural heritage of the Lun Bawangs. It shows us how different communities express their traditions, stories, and knowledge through their own unique way of speaking. Preserving such languages is important for keeping the world's cultural diversity alive.

History

Lun Bawang is mainly a spoken language, not a written one. There are very few books in this language, mostly made by missionaries or language experts. The first full book in Lun Bawang was a Bible translation published in 1982, called Bala Luk Do. In 1969, a Lun Bawang–English dictionary was created by the University of Washington. Later, in 2006, a special version of the language called Kemaloh Lundayeh was turned into a dictionary with both Lundayeh and English words.

Phonology

The Lun Bawang language has 6 vowels, 19 consonants, and 5 diphthongs.

According to Blust in 2006, Lun Dayeh has special sounds called mixed-voiced stops, like [b͡p, d͡tʃ, ɡ͡k]. These sounds are similar to those in the Kelabit language. It does not have a simple [tʃ] sound.

Example

Lord's Prayer (Our Father)

O Taman kai luk bang surga, dó ngadan-Mu uen ngerayeh. Idi imet-Mu uen ngaching, idi luk pian-Mu mangun bang taná kudeng bang surga. Maré nekai acho sini akan luk petap. Idi maré dó ratnan amung-amung baleh kai mepad kudeng kai pangeh nemaré ddó ratnan amung-amung baleh dulun. Idi aleg nguit nekai amé bang luk nutun, iamdó muit nekai ratnan luk dat. Amen. Ngacheku Iko luk kuan imet idi lalud idi rayeh maching ruked-ruked peh. Amen.

Translation:

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory, are Yours now and forever. Amen. (Matthew 6:9–13)