Disputes over ‘correct’ Iban dialect hinder progress, says SDNU Sibu chairman

SIBU (Oct 19): The Iban community should refrain from arguing amongst one another about whether a certain dialect is the ‘correct’ Iban language standard.

In voicing this out, Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) Sibu chairman Chambai Lindong stated that the dispute will not bring benefit to the language, especially since it now has a more comprehensive and far-reaching system than what schoolchildren are currently using.

“The Iban language now only has one set system since it has been used at the teaching level in schools, particularly for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination. This system is the only ‘correct’ system that should be followed.

“We must participate in and respect this existing system for the continued development and future of the Iban language in this state and in Malaysia,” he said when officiating the SPM Iban Language Excellence Programme (POCEM) at Dewan Wawasan, SMK Sungai Merah here today.

On setting the Iban language standard system at the school level, Chambai said it must be evaluated and studied in depth by the responsible committee before it could be adjusted and used.

“Therefore, the current system is seen as comprehensive and capable of driving the Iban language towards a brighter future for the new generation,” he said, adding that SDNU will continue to support all efforts in developing and dignifying the language for the sake of future generations.

He also suggested the Iban language educators here to organise future Iban language-speaking competitions to foster interest for the language in the new generation.

On the programme, Chambai said this is the third year in a row SDNU Sibu has organised such event in collaboration with the Sibu District Education Office (PPD).

He urged the students involved to take advantage of the programme to increase their knowledge in the Iban language, especially those who will sit for the SPM examination.

The one-day programme, which ran from 8am to 4pm, was attended by 150 students and 16 teachers from eight secondary schools in Sibu.