International Journal of Linguistics and Indigenous Culture
Vol. 3 No. 1 (2025): March

Belait Language Maintenance in Brunei Darussalam




Article Info

Publish Date
29 Mar 2025

Abstract

The Belait language, an endangered indigenous language of Brunei, is experiencing a significant decline due to language shift, urbanization, and reduced intergenerational transmission. This study provides a descriptive analysis of the current status of Belait, examining the sociolinguistic factors contributing to its endangerment and evaluating strategies for its preservation. Findings indicate that Belait faces challenges such as the dominance of Malay and English, limited institutional support, and a sharp decline in fluent speakers. However, community-led revitalization projects, linguistic documentation, and digital initiatives have emerged as crucial interventions to mitigate this decline. Government-supported language documentation efforts, integrating Belait into digital platforms, and community-driven educational programs have been identified as key strategies for sustaining the language. This study underscores the urgent need for structured institutional support and policy driven initiatives to complement grassroots efforts, ensuring the survival of Belait as a vital component of Brunei’s linguistic and cultural heritage. Strengthening language maintenance strategies through education, digital engagement, and government collaboration is essential to reversing the trend of language loss for future generations.

Copyrights © 2025






Journal Info

Abbrev

ijlic

Publisher

Subject

Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Library & Information Science Social Sciences Other

Description

International Journal of Linguistics and Indigenous Culture (IJLIC) explores and contributes to the field of linguistics, with a specific emphasis on indigenous languages and cultures worldwide. The journal aims to publish research articles, scholarly papers, and studies that delve into various ...