Penan, Western

A language of Malaysia

ISO 639: pne
Alternate Names: Nibon, Nibong, “Punan” (pej.)
Population: 3,400 (2007 SIL).
Location:: Sarawak: Kapit division, Balui and upper Baram rivers, Mount Dulit area, 3 villages; Nibong branch of Lobong river.
Language Status: 6b (Threatened).
Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, North Borneo, North Sarawakan, Kayan-Kenyah, Penan
Dialects: Nibong, Bok Penan (Bok), Penan Silat, Penan Gang (Gang), Penan Lusong (Lusong), Penan Apo, Sipeng (Speng), Penan Lanying, Jelalong Penan. Not closely related to other languages.
Language Use: Some young people, all adults.
Language Development: NT: 1974.
Language Resources: OLAC resources in and about Penan, Western
Writing: Latin script [Latn].
Other Comments: Traditionalists are nomadic and seminomadic.

Location: Sarawak: Kapit division, Balui and upper Baram rivers, Mount Dulit area, 3 villages; Nibong branch of Lobong river.