Iban language as a subject at UPSI

Iban language will be one of the subjects offered in the Language Faculty of Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) at Tanjung Malim, Perak, beginning August this year

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu revealed this at the Joint Gawai-Kaamatan Celebration 2010, held at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on Saturday.

He would be going to UPSI in August to launch the subject, an optional subject for TESL teachers who would eventually serve in Sarawak. There is a growing interest in the language outside the Dayak community and over in Peninsular Malaysia, he revealed.

“The Dayak community is thankful as this is positive for of the development of the Iban language,” Jabu told reporters.

He said it was timely for it to be recognised by the federal government and education ministry.

“I think the use of Iban in the higher institution of learning will open up a

lot of literary interest,

whether oral or written tradition,” Jabu commented.

In his speech earlier, Jabu said the Gawai-Kaamatan celebration was significant to Sabah and Sarawak as it showed the unity between them regardless of ethnic background.

Also present at the celebration were Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Tan Sri Bernard Dompok; Science, Technology and Innovations Minister Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili; Kadazandusun Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) president Alli

Masri Matajam; Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) president Tan Sri Datuk Amar Leo

Moggie; Information, Communication, Arts and Culture Deputy Minister Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum; Rural and Regional Development Deputy Minister

Datuk Joseph Entulu Belaun and Deputy State Secretary Datu Ose Murang.