Title : Oral Tradition a Discussion on Some Areas of Melanau Oral Tradition.
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THE SARAWAK MUSEUM JOURNAL |
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Title :
Oral Tradition a Discussion on Some Areas of Melanau Oral Tradition. |
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Author :
Aloysius Dris |
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Abstract:
The state of the art in the Melanau oral tradition is very much on the brink of sunset and in some cases are already quite far into the dusk. As a whole, the Melanau oral tradition is definitely fast disappearing. This may appear to be a pessimistic and somber remark for an introduction but it is true. Apart from a few valuable records in various forms and of diverse interest/discipline on the Melanau we have very scanty records of any aspect of Melanau oral tradition. The only consolation, perhaps, is that we can always start from whatever records that we have presently and from there we can explore further on what is left in oral form within the community. Recording process, as we know, is not an easy task. It needs skill, patience and multi-disciplinary approach for the record to be meaningful, comprehensive and accurate or, at least,as close as possible to the original practices. Past works on records are valuable pointers to assist us in our effort. We must, therefore, not look at the weaknesses or at what is lacking in these records but try to improve on them as these records are made for limited objective. Positively, therefore, let us through discussions and discourse learn from whatever sources that we have to re-construct and preserve oral tradition in as accurate form as possible. A regional seminar on oral tradition was organised in November 1973 as a UNESCO project on the study of Malay culture (Malay culture in the wider context of the word ‘Malay’) with the objective of focussing on the research on oral tradition in Malay culture area and to survey the activities undertaken by the member countries ie. Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand and others.
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| DOI: XXXX |
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How to cite:
Dris, A. (1989). Oral Tradition a Discussion on Some Areas of Melanau Oral Tradition. The Sarawak Museum Journal, XL (61): 339-356 |
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References
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