PAWS AND PEDAGOGY: EXPLORING MALAY FELINE PROVERBS AS TOOLS FOR LANGUAGE PRESERVATION IN UNIVERSITY EDUCATION

Language preservation has become a critical concern in this increasingly globalized world, where the dominance of major languages threatens the survival of indigenous and regional linguistic traditions. This study addresses the underutilization of Malay feline proverbs in higher education as a tool for preserving the Malay language, despite their cultural richness and metaphorical depth. The aim of this conceptual paper is to explore the untapped potential of these proverbs as pedagogical tools for language preservation, emphasizing their theoretical and practical contributions to fostering cultural identity, enhancing critical thinking, and promoting active engagement with the Malay language among students. A comprehensive literature review synthesizes existing research on proverbs, language preservation, and culturally responsive pedagogy, highlighting gaps in the systematic integration of Malay feline proverbs into university curricula. The study proposes a conceptual framework grounded in three interconnected components: Cultural Relevance, Pedagogical Innovation, and Sustainability. Cultural Relevance ensures that proverbs resonate with students’ identities, while Pedagogical Innovation leverages interactive teaching methods, such as storytelling and creative writing, to enhance critical thinking and communication skills. Sustainability focuses on the long-term preservation of linguistic diversity and intergenerational transmission of cultural knowledge. The main findings underscore the potential of Malay feline proverbs in creating inclusive and culturally responsive educational environments, addressing both academic and societal needs. By bridging traditional wisdom with modern teaching practices, this approach aligns with decolonizing methodologies and promotes equitable education systems. The implications extend beyond academia, offering strategies to counteract globalization’s impact on endangered languages and enrich multicultural societies. Future research should focus on empirical investigations, cross-disciplinary studies, and digital innovations to scale up these efforts sustainably.