Mah Meri

A language of Malaysia

ISO 639: mhe
Alternate Names: Besisi, Cellate, Hma’ Btsisi’, Ma’ Betisek, “Orang Sabat” (pej.)
Population: 2,990 (2003 COAC). Ethnic population: 3,680 (2008 JHEOA).
Location:: Putrajaya, Negeri Sembilan, and Selangor: coastal areas; islands off the coasts.
Language Status: 6b* (Threatened).
Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Aslian, South Aslian
Dialects: Kuala Langot Besisi, Malakka Besisi, Ulu Langat Orang Bukit, Selangor Sakai, Betise’ (Betisek), Sisi.
Typology: 30 consonants and 9 vowels; stress on final syllable.
Language Use: Most children are monolingual when they enter preschool at age four (Kruspe 2010). All also use Malay [zlm] (Bradley 2007a).
Language Resources: OLAC resources in and about Mah Meri
Writing: Unwritten [Qaax].
Other Comments: One dialect became extinct late 19th century, others have become extinct. Traditional religion.

Location: Putrajaya, Negeri Sembilan, and Selangor: coastal areas; islands off the coasts.