Tatana language campaign launch Saturday
Kota Kinabalu: More will be done to promote and preserve the Tatana language, especially among the young generation.
Sabah Tatana Cultural Association (STCA) President Tan Sri Wences Angang said a Tatana language campaign will be launched together with the launching of the annual Odou Bakanjar, at Kuala Penyu’s Tamu ground, this Saturday (Feb 25).
Wences, who is also Sabah Cultural Board Chairman, said the launching will be graced by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman.
“Sadly, most of the young Tatana are not fluent in the language so we (STCA) decided to launch this campaign.
“The campaign will be ongoing throughout the year and among the activities that will be conducted are essay writing and storytelling competitions,” he said during a press conference at Wisma Budaya, here, Wednesday.
On Odou Bakanjar, Wences said it is a one-day festival usually celebrated by the Tatana ethnic group a day after the 15th day of the Chinese New Year celebration.
“This is the fourth time it is held and as what we have witnessed in the previous years, the response has been overwhelming…we are expecting no less than 5,000 people to attend the festival this year.”
The festival is organised by the Sabah Cultural Board in collaboration with STCA and the Kuala Penyu District Office.
“It will run from 8.30am until about 5pm where the public will witness colourful dance performances and cultural parade as well as sample traditional food.
“Apart from Tatana cultural groups, other ethnic groups like Bisaya, Brunei, Bajau and Kedayan will also take part in the cultural parade,” he said.
Twelve Tatana cultural groups from Kampung Kalampun, Kampung Manunggang/Melampai, Kampung Gorowot, Kampung Kayul, Kampung Tegilung, Kampung Bundu/Kabatung, Kampung Janang, Kampung Rimbaan, Kampung Manumpang, Kampung Kebunau, Kampung Purun and Kampung Kiaru will participate in this year’s edition.
According to him, STCA will also publish a special book on Odou Bakanjar which will be made available to the public during the festival.
Meanwhile, Wences said books on ethnic group inventory studies will also be presented to ethnic group associations’ representatives during Odou Bakanjar.
There will also be a concert by the Sabah National Department of Cultural and Arts tomorrow (Friday) starting at 7pm at the same venue.
Admission is free and the public is welcomed to experience the unique culture of the Tatana ethnic group. – Ricardo Unto
Source: Daily Express
