KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Dusunic Language Preservation Association (KBDS) is working toward setting up the Dusunic Language Foundation, aimed at strengthening the instruction and acquisition of the Dusunic Language—especially among native speakers and their descendants—through formal and informal education initiatives.
According to KBDS President Datuk Lawrence Gimbang, the proposed foundation will also support research, documentation, publishing, and broader public engagement related to the Dusunic Language and the wider Dusun cultural heritage.
He revealed that this initiative was discussed during a formal visit to the Governor of Sabah, Tun Musa Aman, at the Istana Negeri on Wednesday.
“The Governor welcomed the proposal and expressed his full support for KBDS’ initiative to establish the Dusunic Language Foundation in Sabah,” Lawrence said in a statement issued today.
Leading a delegation of eight senior KBDS committee members, Gimbang explained that the visit also served to introduce the association, which was officially registered with the Registrar of Societies (ROS) in January 28, 2022.
He emphasized that KBDS is dedicated to safeguarding, advancing, and maintaining the Dusunic Language across its diverse dialects.
To advance this mission, the association plans to bring together educators and language experts through academic forums, workshops, expert consultations, and community-based competitions in districts with substantial Dusunic-speaking populations—such as Ranau, Tambunan, Tuaran, Keningau, and Penampang.
Reflecting on KBDS’ work since its founding five years ago, Gimbang highlighted several completed initiatives, including the Indigenous Language Collaboration event at IPG Kent campus in 2022 and the Dusunic Vocabulary and Storybook Development Workshop in 2023.
“This year, we intend to launch the Dusunic Community Program in Tambunan,” he added.
Gimbang also reaffirmed the organization’s ongoing commitment to providing Dusun Language Consultancy services within the state.
