Sa'ban people

Last updated
Sa'ban people
Sa'baan / Saban
Total population
approx. 2,700
Regions with significant populations
Borneo:
Flag of Malaysia.svg  Malaysia (Sarawak)1,600 [1]
Flag of Indonesia.svg  Indonesia (East Kalimantan)1,100 [2]
Languages
Sa'ban language, Malay language (Sarawakian Malay), Indonesian language
Religion
Christianity (predominantly), Animism
Related ethnic groups
Kelabit people, Lun Bawang

The Sa'ban, Sa'baan or Saban people, are an indigenous Dayak people of Sarawak, Malaysia and East Kalimantan, Indonesia. They are categorised under the Orang Ulu groups in Malaysia and have a close ties with the Kelabit people.

Contents

With a population of approximately less than 1,000 people, the Saban considered one of the smallest ethnic groups in Sarawak. Over the last 20 years, most of them had moved to urban areas (mainly Miri) for better living and employment opportunities. The rest still live in their homeland, Long Banga, Long Puak (formerly known as Long Ballong) and Long Peluan. [3]

Being an offshoot of Kelabit tribes, they have similar cultures, traditions and customs. Most Sa'ban people can understand the Kelabit language due to the similarities with their own.

Language

Some simple phrases in Sa'ban:

PhrasePronunciationEnglish translation
EekeggI, Me
CehYou
Mai pah cehmy pah cehWhere are you going
MauYes
AmarmNo
NonWhat

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References

  1. "Sa'ban in Malaysia". Joshua Project . Retrieved 2018-02-22.
  2. "Sa'ban in Indonesia". Joshua Project . Retrieved 2018-02-22.
  3. Clayre, Iain F. C. S. (1970). "Notes on the Sa'ban Language" (PDF). Borneo Research Bulletin. 2 (1): 9. Retrieved 2011-02-20.