Borneo's indigenous languages

Borneo's indigenous languages are a diverse group of over 150 languages spoken mainly by local ethnic groups across the island, including the Dayak, Iban, and Penan communities. These languages belong to several language families, such as Austronesian and Papuan, reflecting Borneo’s complex history of migration and cultural exchange. Many of these languages are oral and have rich oral traditions, though some are endangered due to the influence of dominant languages like Malay, Indonesian, and English. Preserving these languages is vital for maintaining the island’s cultural diversity and heritage.