BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, BRUNEI: Ainah Gimir and eight of her peers want the Kadazandusun language to remain alive. Through research in language, linguistics and literature, the nine students of Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) brought the Kadazandusun language to the international academic stage.
The delegation presented 10 papers at Universiti Brunei Darussalam in conjunction with the International Conference on the Elevation and Internationalisation of Malay Studies (PAPPPM) 2026. The conference gathered participants from 10 countries including Thailand, China, Brunei Darussalam and Indonesia on Nov 11 and 12.
The research presented covered the fields of Kadazandusun language education, literature, culture and linguistics, including studies on the use and function of affixes. Literature studies covered oral traditions, folklore, traditional poetry, riddles and songs highlighting the cultural values and educational aspects of the Kadazandusun community.
Senior Lecturer at the UPSI Ethnic Languages Department and delegation mentor Dr Rosliah Kiting said ethnic language research is important to ensure that language and cultural heritage continue to be documented, studied and passed on to the next generation.
“Participation in international conferences provides exposure for students to share research findings, enhances confidence in academic presentations and builds experience in the international academic community,” she said in a statement.
The conference also featured a keynote address by the Director of the Language Centre and Senior Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Dr Yabit Alas. He emphasised the role of education systems and the strategic use of artificial intelligence (AI) in preserving minority languages, ethnic languages and community identity.
The delegation was led by Ainah, a Master of Education (Kadazandusun Language) student, together with seven Bachelor of Education in Ethnic Languages with Honours students and one Kadazandusun Language minor student.
They also expressed appreciation to Dato’ Suki Mee, Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, YB Tuan Jordan Jude Ellron and UPSI for their contributions and support in making the participation a success.
