Semelaic languages
Encyclopedia
The Semelaic languages are a sub-branch of the Aslian
branch of Mon–Khmer group of languages. They are based in the southern part of the central Malaysian plain, and are thus sometimes referred to as the Southern Aslian languages. The four languages that make up the sub-branch are Temoq, Semelai
, Semaq Beri, and Mah Meri (Betise’)
. These languages are spoken by tribal
groups, numbering no more than 10 000 speakers in total. The languages are considered endangered due to social disruption in the area and the dominance of Malay
.
Aslian languages
The Aslian languages are the original languages of the Orang Asli, the aboriginal inhabitants of Malaya and peninsular Thailand, and a branch of the Mon–Khmer languages, in the Austro-Asiatic language family...
branch of Mon–Khmer group of languages. They are based in the southern part of the central Malaysian plain, and are thus sometimes referred to as the Southern Aslian languages. The four languages that make up the sub-branch are Temoq, Semelai
Semelai language
The Semelai language is a dialect spoken by the Semalai people, one of nineteen orang asli tribal peoples of Malaysia. The Semelai reside in the region between Segamat and the Pahang River. The Semelai language is an Austro-Asiatic language, while the Proto-Malay peoples speak Austronesian...
, Semaq Beri, and Mah Meri (Betise’)
Mah Meri language
Mah Meri, also known as Besisi and Betise’, is an aboriginal Mon–Khmer language spoken in Malaya. It is the only such language spoken on the coast, in Malacca outside of the capital Kuala Lumpur. The small number of speakers is increasing....
. These languages are spoken by tribal
Tribe
A tribe, viewed historically or developmentally, consists of a social group existing before the development of, or outside of, states.Many anthropologists use the term tribal society to refer to societies organized largely on the basis of kinship, especially corporate descent groups .Some theorists...
groups, numbering no more than 10 000 speakers in total. The languages are considered endangered due to social disruption in the area and the dominance of Malay
Malay language
Malay is a major language of the Austronesian family. It is the official language of Malaysia , Indonesia , Brunei and Singapore...
.