CHALLENGES AND EMPOWERMENT STRATEGIES FOR THE DOCUMENTATION OF THE E-GAYAD MABALUT GLOSSARY IN BEAUFORT, SABAH

Language documentation is a crucial step in preserving the linguistic heritage of ethnic groups, especially for endangered languages such as Bisaya in Beaufort, Sabah. Language is not only a means of communication but also a reflection of a community’s identity, values, and culture. Although Bisaya is still spoken within the local community, challenges such as social changes, dominance of mainstream languages, and technological advancements threaten its continuity, particularly among younger generations. Therefore, the E-Gayad Mabalut Glossary was introduced as a digital documentation initiative involving active participation from the Bisaya community, aiming to facilitate easier and more interactive use of the language by the youth. This project focuses not only on vocabulary collection but also on empowering the community to identify, verify, and enrich the glossary content based on real-life usage contexts. This study takes the form of a concept paper that explores three main themes: language documentation, community involvement, and the application of technology in ethnic language preservation. It also examines key challenges such as the lack of written materials, difficulties in maintaining semantic accuracy, and limited access to technology in rural areas. Additionally, empowerment strategies such as user-friendly digital platforms, academic institutional support, community training, and raising public awareness of the importance of mother tongue are discussed as ways to overcome these obstacles. Overall, the E-Gayad Mabalut Glossary not only contributes to the preservation of the Bisaya language but also serves as a strategic model for community-based digital language documentation. Through an inclusive and collaborative approach, this project symbolizes the empowerment of the identity and cultural heritage of the Bisaya community in Sabah.