Linguistic Research on the Orang Asli Languages in Peninsular Malaysia

Journal of Language and Linguistic Studies. Hacettepe Universitesi, Egitim Fakultesi B Blok, Yabanci Diller Egitimi Bolumu, Ingiliz Dili Egitimi Anabilim Dali, Ankara 06800, Turkey. e-mail: [email protected]; Web site: http://www.jlls.org

Y

19

Language Research; Austro Asiatic Languages; Malayo Polynesian Languages; Foreign Countries; Phonology; Morphology (Languages); Sociolinguistics; Syntax; Semantics; Grammar; Language Maintenance; Indigenous Populations; Publications; Vocabulary

1305-578X

The current paper aims to search and summarise the current literature on the linguistic aspect of the Orang Asli languages in Malaysia. Following the PRISMA Statement (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses), a systematic review was conducted with a particular focus on three main groups of the Orang Asli in Peninsular Malaysia: (1) Negrito; (2) Senoi; and (3) Aboriginal Malay. Of 158 works found, 58 were excluded (irrelevant); 100 were relevant and included in the review. Works published between 2009 to 2019 were selected and categorised into journal articles (n = 51), books (n = 28), undergraduate/postgraduate theses (n = 8), conference proceedings (n = 8), and chapter in book (n = 5). Of these works, the Negrito is widely discussed (n = 94), followed by the Senoi (n = 90), and then the Aboriginal Malay (n = 76). The sub-areas of these linguistic studies include phonology, morphology, sociolinguistics, syntax, semantics, lexis, and grammar. With regard to language documentation, to date, only ten projects are found dealing with the digital repository of the Orang Asli languages. Further research on linguistics seems warranted for the preservation of these languages.

As Provided

2022

EJ1328321