Educators champion indigenous languages through research and teaching

Julita Norjietta Taisin and Saripah Anak Banseng, lecturers at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), have made preserving their native languages a cornerstone of their professional work. Taisin focuses on Kadazandusun, primarily spoken in Sabah, while Banseng champions the Iban language of Sarawak, both of which face declining usage among younger speakers.

Beyond classroom instruction, both educators have integrated language preservation into their research agendas, conducting studies that document linguistic patterns and cultural significance. Their approach extends beyond academia into daily practice, where they model active use of their mother tongues in professional and personal contexts.

The lecturers' commitment reflects broader concerns about language erosion in Malaysia, where globalisation and the dominance of Malay and English have marginalised indigenous dialects. By combining teaching, scholarly investigation, and community participation, Taisin and Banseng demonstrate how individual dedication can contribute to sustained language vitality.

Their work underscores the role educational institutions play in language preservation. As Malaysia increasingly recognises the cultural and heritage value of its linguistic diversity, such initiatives by committed educators provide a foundation for intergenerational transmission of indigenous languages.