Bidayuh, Biatah

A language of Malaysia

ISO 639: bth
Alternate Names: Biatah, Bikuab, Kuap, Quop, Sentah, Siburan
Population: 63,900 in Malaysia (2000 census). Total users in all countries: 72,380.
Location:: Sarawak: Kuching division, Kuching district, 10 villages.
Language Status: 6b (Threatened).
Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Land Dayak, Bidayuh, Core, Central
Dialects: Siburan, Bisitaang (Sitaang, Stang), Tibia, Bibenuk, Bipuruh, Bisapug, Pinyawa’, Biya. Not intelligible with Bidayuh Serian [sdo], Salako [knx], or other Bidayuh varieties from Indonesia. Siburan is the prestige dialect. Lexical similarity: 71% with Singai dialect of Bau Bidayuh [sne].
Language Use: Some young people, all adults.
Language Development: Literacy rate in L2: 45%. Radio. Dictionary. Bible: 2014.
Language Resources: OLAC resources in and about Bidayuh, Biatah
Writing: Latin script [Latn], developed in about 1995.
Other Comments: ’Bidayuh’ is a cover term for all Sarawak Land Dayak groups, plus Salako [knx].

Indonesia

Location: West Kalimantan province: Sanggau regency, area near Sarawak border; possibly northeast Landak regency.
Language Status: 5 (Developing)
Other Comments: May be distinct from Biatah [bth] of Sarawak. Christian, traditional religion.

Location: Sarawak: Kuching division, Kuching district, 10 villages.