When a language disappears, so too does the community it defines.
That is the growing fear surrounding the Dumpas ethnic group here, as their mother tongue fades steadily from daily life.
Today, the language is rarely spoken. Among the younger generation, it is, in many ways, already buried.
History has played a significant role in this quiet decline. Resistance against colonial rule, the pull of modernisation, the dominance of the Malay language in schools, and intermarriage have gradually distanced younger Dumpas from their linguistic roots, placing their ancestral heritage at risk.
The Dumpas possess a distinct identity. A sub-ethnic group of the Dusun people, they are Muslim and rich in cultural traditions, from their traditional suaan attire to their unique dances.
Yet this cultural wealth is overshadowed by a deepening language crisis. The absence of written references has made it increasingly difficult to pass the language on to younger generations. Without formal documentation, the Dumpas vocabulary continues to shrink, with words such as tulun (person), sada (fish), and awu or amu (no) now rarely heard in everyday conversation.
Refusing to let their heritage disappear, the Dumpas Ethnic Association has taken action. In collaboration with Sabah’s Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP), they are actively developing a Dumpas–Malay dictionary.
More than just a book, it is seen as a vital lifeline, one that could safeguard their identity and ensure the Dumpas are not erased from the broader narrative of human civilisation.
HISTORY AND THE SEARCH FOR IDENTITY
Classified as a minority group with a population of between 5,000 and 10,000 across Sabah, the Dumpas trace their roots to Telupid, particularly the early settlement of Gana Dumpas.
From this historic valley emerged a community shaped by rich traditions, customs, and language.
Economic pressures later drove migration, leading to the establishment of settlements in Kampung Perancangan, Bakong-Bakong, Biru-Biru, Tembidong-Bidong, Gana Jati, Terasat, and Nangoh. Today, their presence extends beyond their original homeland to districts such as Beluran, Sandakan, Kinabatangan, Tawau, Kalabakan, Kota Kinabalu, and Ranau.
Yet beneath this growing geographical spread lies a long-standing identity crisis. For decades, many Dumpas chose to conceal their ethnic roots.
According to Dumpas Ethnic Association president Abdul Wahab Abdul Gani, this decision was shaped by the legacy of British colonial rule, during which their ancestors were known as strong supporters of anti-colonial resistance.
“Loyalty to that struggle brought pressure, causing many to feel threatened and afraid to reveal their true origins,” he said.
Over generations, this concealment weakened ties to their roots. When identity is hidden, language, customs, and traditions are often pushed aside. The result is a widening generational gap, with many young people growing up disconnected from their ancestral heritage.
A LANGUAGE UNDER THREAT
The most pressing threat today stems from declining use among younger generations. Changing lifestyles and the education system have played a central role in this shift.
In schools, Malay dominates as the medium of instruction, making it the preferred language of communication. As a result, Dumpas children often become more fluent and comfortable in the national language than in their ancestral tongue.
Deputy president Bidin Angau does not blame the education system or government policy, viewing this instead as part of the natural flow of time that presents challenges to preserving identity.
He noted that intermarriage has further accelerated language erosion. In mixed households, Malay naturally becomes the lingua franca, sidelining the Dumpas language.
This fragile situation is compounded by a critical weakness: the absence of written references. For generations, the language has survived solely through oral tradition.
“Without proper documentation, awareness and initiative among younger generations to learn their mother tongue have declined significantly,” he said.
The impact extends beyond youth. Adults, too, face challenges in mastering the language due to limited resources.
“When there is no reference to verify linguistic structure, much of the classical vocabulary gradually fades from collective memory,” he added.
THE DUMPAS DICTIONARY
Efforts to revive the language began with the establishment of the Dumpas Ethnic Association on May 31, 2015, a milestone that created a formal platform to reunite the community across Sabah.
“Since its formation, awareness to reclaim Dumpas identity and heritage has grown stronger, especially among the younger generation. The association has become the main driving force in saving the language,” Abdul Wahab said.
The initiative gained momentum following an invitation from the Sabah State Cultural Board to participate in an ethnic festival in Sandakan. From there, the association published an initial inventory of ethnic culture and basic vocabulary with the board’s support.
A subsequent engagement with DBP Sabah marked a turning point. A comprehensive study by trainee teachers from the Institute of Teacher Education (IPG) Gaya Campus, covering food, attire, economy, and language, convinced DBP of the value of documenting Dumpas heritage.
This led to the launch of the Dumpas–Malay dictionary project in late 2020.
Now in its final phase and about 90 per cent complete, the dictionary is expected to be published this year. It will contain around 5,000 entries, covering translations between Dumpas and Malay.
The process has been demanding. Committee members, including Bidin, faced limitations in their own language proficiency due to the lack of historical references. They relied heavily on memory and input from villagers, working tirelessly each night for a year to complete the translation process.
“Overall, the groundwork took four years at the village level, with continuous guidance from DBP officers who regularly provided technical support,” he said.
By September 2025, the project entered its final stage, with four representatives attending formal editing sessions at DBP Kota Kinabalu. While DBP handled editorial standardisation, Dumpas representatives ensured the accuracy of every word.
A GLIMMER OF HOPE
Although the dictionary is still undergoing final editing, the awareness it has sparked is already taking root within the community. A positive shift is emerging, offering hope for the survival of the language.
According to Bidin, Kampung Tembidong-Bidong and Kampung Biru-Biru have become pioneers in the revival of the Dumpas language, with residents actively reintroducing it into daily conversations.
“What once seemed impossible is now a beautiful reality, as children and young people are once again speaking the language of their ancestors with confidence,” he said.
The revival effort extends beyond the dictionary. In collaboration with the Sabah State Cultural Board, the association is also working on cultural inventories and vocabulary documentation to further strengthen preservation efforts.
Ultimately, the Dumpas–Malay dictionary is far more than a compilation of 5,000 words.
It stands as a monument, a powerful affirmation that language reflects the soul of a community.
Within its pages lies not only vocabulary, but the essence of the Dumpas people: their identity, values, and enduring resilience against the threat of extinction.
