Preserving Indigenous Languages: Monash Students Visit Kampung Orang Asli Che Wong

From 23 to 25 September 2025, the ACM-W Student Chapter at Monash University Malaysia led a team of undergraduate students on a meaningful field trip to Kampung Orang Asli Che Wong in Kuala Gandah, Lanchang, Pahang. The visit was organized in collaboration with Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) and supported by the Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA), as part of a national initiative to digitize and preserve the Che Wong language, a language that to this day has no established written form.

Purpose and Cultural Engagement

The trip aimed to gather insights into Che Wong culture while supporting future research in indigenous language digitization and preservation. Upon arrival, students were briefed by DBP and JAKOA representatives on cultural norms and practices by ensuring respectful engagement with the community. Attendees were reminded to practice cultural sensitivity which includes obtaining consent before taking photographs.

Data Collection and Collaboration

Over three days, students worked closely with Che Wong community members to collect and verify linguistic data.

• Day 1: Initial data collection sessions, facilitated by DBP staff, focused on building lexicons through group interactions.

Data collection sessions by attendees with community members

• Day 2: Extended engagement with community members to deepen the dataset and strengthen cultural understanding.

Cultural engagement with community members

• Day 3: Verification sessions to refine and confirm the accuracy of the collected lexicons.

Most communication was conducted in Bahasa Melayu with DBP staff assisting in translation and facilitation.

Key Outcomes

• First-hand experience in documenting and collecting lexicons for an unwritten indigenous language
• Practical exposure to standard procedures for engaging with indigenous communities in Malaysia
• Strengthened collaboration between Monash University Malaysia, DBP and JAKOA
• A humbling and eye-opening experience that highlighted the challenges and importance of language preservation

Broader Impact

This initiative underscores Monash University Malaysia’s role as a socially engaged institution, committed to impactful collaborations that extend beyond the classroom. By contributing to indigenous language preservation, our students not only gained valuable research experience but also helped safeguard cultural heritage for future generations.

Group photo of all attendees and Che Wong community members