Endangered language: Batek lexicon and loaned words

• Published in: European Journal of Social Sciences
• Main Author: Ahmad B.E.; Noor M.Y.M.; Sharif T.I.S.T.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: 2011
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-83255162504&partnerID=40&md5=b26bdb7a5746da6fda3022e49efc0fb3

The Batek of North Eastern Aslian of Peninsular Malaysia live along the Lebir, Aring, Sat, Yong, Keniam and Tembeling rivers which are located in the heart of the Malaysian National Park. Their way of life has been documented by Endicott (1988) and Lye (2005). The present preliminary findings are from the Batek Te' who live along the riverbank of Tembeling River, Pahang. Since their contact with local and foreign visitors, they have begun to learn and use loan words of the dominant Malay language. Some of this very small number of Aslian has also started using the easier version of their Austroasiatic language as the main language is no longer popular and claimed to be difficult especially among the young. This research paper describes some findings of lexicons that describe dwellings, time, water, and some loan words. It is hoped that these findings will shed some light for further descriptive studies to preserve this language. © EuroJournals Publishing, Inc. 2011.