Natuna, Anambas languages proposed for inclusion into Indonesian dictionary
Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: The Riau Islands Provincial Language Agency proposed to include Natuna and Anambas languages in the Great Dictionary of the Indonesian Language (KBBI) and Malay language dictionary.
“We have inventoried new Malay vocabulary from Natuna and Anambas districts to be submitted to KBBI as well as for adding lemma to the first edition of the Malay language dictionary that has been printed before,” the agency’s word and terminology analyst, Jefri Tampubolon, stated.
According to Tampubolon, the new vocabulary inventory is the government’s effort to preserve the regional language and enrich the vocabulary in the Indonesian dictionary.
The Riau Islands Language Agency has also striven to preserve the local language through oral literature in Natuna District by holding various activities, such as local arts and cultural performances.
“We have revitalized the oral literature of Mendu theater in Natuna District (by involving) 25 students. Oral literature in Natuna uses the Malay language, so this revitalization also protects the regional language in Natuna,” Tampubolon remarked.
The long-term attempts by the Riau Islands Language Office in preserving the Malay language in Natuna and Anambas also involve related parties, such as the Education Office and the Tourism Office.
