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| Herys Maliki. Doc. H.M. |
The Dayak Research Center (DRC) - SANGGAU: Proverbs carry within them the essence of truth, wisdom, and the intelligence of a people. They encapsulate the lived experiences and collective reflections of a community, often distilled into symbolic expressions or deeply meaningful phrases.
For the Dayak Jangkang people, proverbs are not mere words—they are repositories of ancestral knowledge, guiding principles for life, and reflections of their unique worldview.
Preserving Dayak Jangkang Proverbs' Cultural Legacy
Herys Maliki has undertaken an extraordinary task: to research, collect, and preserve 101 Peribahasa Dayak Jangkang. This compilation is not only a linguistic achievement but also a cultural milestone. It required years of diligent research, keen observation, and profound respect for the Jangkang language and way of life.
The Dayak Jangkang, a sub-race of the Bidayuh ethnic group, reside in the Jangkang subdistrict of Sanggau Regency, West Kalimantan. With around 47,000 native speakers, their language is a vibrant testament to the richness of their heritage.
Proverbs are more than aphorisms; they serve as mirrors reflecting the core values, beliefs, and practices of the Dayak Jangkang people. These sayings often carry symbolic meanings, encapsulating life lessons, ethical norms, and cultural pride. They are crafted with depth and subtlety, revealing the community’s remarkable ability to convey profound truths in a compact form.
This collection required more than linguistic skills—it demanded immersion into the life and traditions of the Jangkang people. Each proverb was meticulously analyzed and interpreted to ensure that its essence was preserved and its cultural significance highlighted. Herys Maliki’s work bridges the gap between oral tradition and written heritage, transforming ephemeral wisdom into a permanent cultural record.
Dayak Jangkang Wisdom: Timeless Cultural Legacy
The 101 Peribahasa Dayak Jangkang invites readers into a world of enduring wisdom, where each saying serves as a portal to the values and aspirations of the Dayak Jangkang people.
Through these proverbs, readers can glimpse universal truths that resonate beyond cultural boundaries, reminding us of our shared humanity. This work not only celebrates the richness of the Jangkang heritage but also serves as a testament to the enduring relevance of traditional wisdom in navigating modern life.
By preserving these proverbs, Herys Maliki has ensured that the Dayak Jangkang’s ancestral knowledge will continue to inspire future generations, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of their remarkable cultural legacy.
Example of the Deep Meaning of a Dayak Jangkang Proverb
"Mae ileh kuncel"
Cannot be pried open. Cannot be persuaded to reveal something secret.
Explanation:
This proverb describes a person who is extremely secretive and cannot be easily influenced or forced to disclose something that is private or confidential. In the Dayak Jangkang culture, the meaning of this proverb is profound, as it relates to the values of trust, honor, and wisdom in keeping things that need to be kept private. A person referred to by this proverb is seen as having high integrity, and safeguarding trust is of utmost importance in their community.
For example, an elder responsible for cultural knowledge that is highly secretive would embody the deep meaning of this proverb. They would not be easily swayed by external pressures to reveal knowledge that should remain protected for the greater good. This proverb also reflects the importance of responsibility in preserving cultural heritage and traditions that have been passed down through generations, emphasizing how someone with a significant role in the community must act with wisdom and careful consideration.
-- Masri Sareb Putra
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