Trilingual book on Kayan folklore launched in Miri

Borneo Post

a day ago

Dennis (seated centre) with (seated, from second left) Yasuka, Yuhki, Roselind and others during the launch of 'Lung Lebui: A Kayan Folktale Collection'.
MIRI (June 12): A Kayan folklore book titled 'Lung Lebui: A Kayan Folktale Collection' written in Kayan, English and Japanese was launched in Miri yesterday.
The 28-page book revolves around Lebui and his wife and features four folk tales well-known to the older Kayan generation. It will be making its way into schools, libraries and universities.
Sarawak Kayan Association president Datuk Dennis Ngau officiated the launch of the book, which is a Curtin University Malaysia community project.
'What makes it even more meaningful to me personally is because this 'Lung Lebui' is my generation's version of today's Netflix to kids.
'There are many versions of Lung Lebui, but I recall one told my father as particularly spine-chilling, especially as we lay down in our makeshift farm-house smack in the middle of the Borneo jungle during farming season,' said the Telang Usan assemblyman when met at the Forum Cultural Centre here.
Dennis hoped with the launch of the book, more Kayans would be encouraged to research and write about their own community, including the publication of more Kayan folklore.
The project was organised by Curtin University Malaysia in collaboration with linguistics lecturers from Kyushu University and the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies.
It is a collaborative effort between Dr Roselind Wan from Curtin University Malaysia; Dr Yasuka Fukaya from Tokyo University of Foreign Studies and Kyushu University; Yuhki Takeuchi, an independent artist affiliated with Studio Ghibli and Sony Interactive Entertainment; and Usun Anyi, a storyteller from Long Panai, Baram.
Yasuka, who was researching Kelabit language grammar, first met Roselind in Singapore – kick-starting the journey which led to the publication of the book.
According to Curtin University Malaysia's acting pro vice-chancellor and dean of learning and teaching Tang Fu Ee, the book is both a scholarly milestone and heartfelt tribute to Sarawak's rich cultural heritage.
'This is more than a book – it is a bridge between generations, cultures, oral tradition and written legacy. It brings the voices of the Kayan people into the hands of children, educators and readers across the region and beyond.
'It affirms that indigenous stories, which are rich with wisdom, values and imagination, belong not only to the past but also our shared future,' he said.
Also present were Kayan paramount chief Temenggong Elizabeth Deng, community leaders, teachers and academicians. Dennis Ngau Kayan folklore book lead Lung Lebui miri