article

The Dusun languages of northern Borneo: Rungus Dusun and related problems

Oceanic linguistics7 • Published In 1968 • Pages: 1-15

By: Appell, George N..

Abstract
In this article G. N. Appell reviews the literature on Dusun languages and dialects. The problem is where does one draw the line between dialects, languages, and ethnic groups? For example, one researcher identified one 'Rungus' dialect group occupying the whole Kudat Peninsula. Appell says that there are actually four dialects represented on the Peninsula, including Rungus, along with Nulu, Gonsomon, and Tobilong. Appell claims that the original researcher had used a Rungus-speaking Nulu informant and uncritically accepted people's self-ascription as 'Rungus.' According to Appell, Rungus, Nulu, and Gonsomon form the Marudu Dusun language group, and are found on both sides of Marudu Bay, which separates the Kudat and Malobong Peninsulas. The Dusun language family includes Ranau, Bundu, Tambunan, Lotud, Penampang, Rungus, Labuk, and Mangkok. Other language groups besides Dusun in the state of Sabah are the Northern Murut languages, Southern Murut languages, and Bisaya. The appendix contains a listof 200 basic words.
Subjects
Identification
Location
Topography and geology
Reviews and critiques
Vocabulary
Linguistic identification
culture
Rungus Dusun
HRAF PubDate
2002
Region
Asia
Sub Region
Southeast Asia
Document Type
article
Evaluation
Creator Type
Ethnologist
Document Rating
4: Excellent Secondary Data
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Ian Skoggard ; 2000
Field Date
1959-1963
Coverage Date
1880-1960
Coverage Place
Sabah, Malaysia
Notes
G. N. Appell
Includes bibliographical references (p. 14-15)
LCCN
72004445
LCSH
Dusun (Bornean people)