Sa’ban

A language of Malaysia

ISO 639: snv
Alternate Names: Berau, Braow, “Merau” (pej.)
Population: 1,110 in Malaysia (2000). Ethnic population: 1,400 (2011). Total users in all countries: 1,960.
Location:: Sarawak: Miri division, Long Banga’, Upper Baram, Long Peluan, Long Puak on Kalimantan border.
Language Status: 6b (Threatened).
Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, North Borneo, North Sarawakan, Dayic, Kelabitic
Language Use: Some young people, all adults. People have been moving into urban areas for employment, and as a consequence have abandoned some of their cultural traditions. It is not clear whether young people are giving up on their ethnic language, but there is evidence that they are becoming proficient in other languages for employment opportunities.
Language Development: Literature. Bible portions: 1969.
Language Resources: OLAC resources in and about Sa’ban
Writing: Latin script [Latn], no longer in use.

Indonesia

Location: Sarawak: Miri division, Long Banga’, Upper Baram, Long Peluan, Long Puak on Kalimantan border.