Dr. Roselind Wan: Championing Indigenous Language and Culture through Education

Dr Roselind Wan

In the heart of Sarawak, where rivers weave through lush landscapes, Dr. Roselind Wan’s journey reflects the resilience of indigenous communities and the critical role of education in preserving cultural identity. Born into a Kayan family in Long Panai, Tutoh, Baram, Dr. Roselind’s rise from humble longhouse beginnings to becoming a distinguished academic is a testament to her dedication to both education and cultural preservation.

As an Academic Skills Advisor at Curtin Malaysia’s Office of Learning & Teaching, Dr. Roselind not only shapes the minds of students but also spearheads efforts to preserve indigenous languages like Kayan, a vital part of her heritage. Her academic achievements are deeply intertwined with a passion for safeguarding indigenous languages and cultural traditions that face the threat of extinction.

For Dr. Roselind, education is more than acquiring academic credentials; it’s a means of giving back to her community and protecting their heritage. “Cultural traditions are the bedrock of identity and belonging,” she explains. “They offer continuity in an ever-changing world.” Her mission is to ensure the Kayan language and culture endure, even as globalisation and digital technology continue to reshape the world.

A Commitment to Education and Cultural Advocacy

Dr. Roselind’s efforts align with Curtin Malaysia’s commitment to nurturing graduates with cultural awareness and community engagement. Curtin Malaysia promotes learning beyond the classroom, and Dr. Roselind’s work exemplifies this philosophy. The university’s support of indigenous scholars and cultural diversity fosters both academic excellence and a heightened awareness of community issues.

Dr. Roselind’s own academic journey is remarkable. She was among the first Kayan children to attend school in the 1970s, navigating challenging river journeys to SMK Marudi for secondary education. After completing a Diploma in Stenography, which ignited her interest in language, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and Communication from Universiti Putra Malaysia, followed by a Master of Education in TESL from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM). Her PhD in Social Science and Humanities from Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) explored the intricate connections between language, culture, and identity.

Her career includes leadership roles as a lecturer and Head of the Language and Communication Cluster at UTP, and managerial positions at the Perak Entrepreneur and Skills Development Centre and the Sarawak Skills Development Centre in Miri.

Dr Roselind interviewing two Kayan ladies about their ‘tedak’, cultural body art representing beauty and status among Kayan women

Global Perspective on Indigenous Language Preservation

In 2016, Dr. Roselind received an ENDEAVOR Research Fellowship at the Australian National University (ANU), where she researched the Kayan people of Sarawak. Immersing herself in Australia’s academic community, she observed the vigorous efforts to document and preserve Aboriginal languages.

“The experience opened my eyes to the critical importance of linguistic diversity and the need for similar initiatives in Malaysia,” she said. The contrast between Australia’s support for indigenous languages and Malaysia’s relative lack of such initiatives motivated her to work towards bridging this gap.

One key finding from her study is the concept of ‘asen’ (origin), which is fundamental to Kayan identity. Proficiency in the origin language, or daho’ asen, is deeply connected to Kayan identity, underscoring how language loss can erode cultural identity.

Dr. Roselind’s research spans fields such as anthropological linguistics, sociolinguistics, and lexicography. Her documentation of the Kayan language is preserved in the Pacific and Regional Archive for Digital Sources in Endangered Cultures (PARADISEC), and she is currently developing an ethnographic Kayan online dictionary. This resource captures not only words but also the cultural context that gives them meaning, preserving Kayan traditions for future generations.

The Urgency of Language Preservation

For Dr. Roselind, preserving the Kayan language is more than an academic pursuit; it’s a mission to empower her community. Indigenous languages across Borneo are endangered, and some, like Seru, Pegu, Bliun, and Lelak, are already extinct. Dr. Roselind’s ethnographic dictionary project underscores the urgency of language preservation. “When a language is lost, an important part of who we are is also lost,” she reflects.

Her deep connection to her Kayan heritage drives her commitment to documenting and preserving their language and culture. This personal bond has shaped her research, reinforcing her sense of responsibility to give back to her community.

Globally, indigenous languages are recognised as essential to national cohesion, economic well-being, and citizenship. Yet, many indigenous communities remain marginalised, with their languages at risk of disappearing. Dr. Roselind is determined to contribute meaningfully to reversing this trend.

Dr Roselind at a ‘tekna’ workshop with Kayan participants

Bridging Academia and Community Needs

Dr. Roselind’s research approach is rooted in respect and reciprocity. She believes that the communities involved in research should benefit from the outcomes, and her work with the Kayan community reflects this ethos. By collaborating closely with community leaders and elders, she ensures that her research is both ethically sound and beneficial to the Kayan people.

Her efforts extend beyond research. Through initiatives like the Knowledge Transfer Programme, she conducts workshops on Kayan oral storytelling, traditional dance, and language, empowering Kayan youth to reconnect with their cultural roots. Her engagement amplifies the voices of marginalised groups, drawing attention to their struggles and achievements.

Dr Roselind helping a research participant complete her consent form – a critical tool in ethical research practice

Empowering Communities Through Education

Dr. Roselind’s commitment to empowering her community through education mirrors Curtin Malaysia’s ethos of community engagement. By leading initiatives that reconnect Kayan youth with their cultural heritage, she strengthens the cultural identity of her people and highlights the importance of education in fostering resilience.

Her work exemplifies how education, research, and community engagement can converge to create lasting impact. As she continues to champion the preservation of the Kayan language and culture, Dr. Roselind serves as an inspiring example of how education can be a powerful tool for both personal achievement and community empowerment.