Bantte

Bantte is a North Bornean language spoken by the Bantatek people living in the interior of Sabah, Malaysia, on the island of Borneo. It is a member of the Austronesian language family, specifically within the South China Sea branch.

Linguistic research indicates that Bantte is a previously undescribed Austronesian language, with unique features that differentiate it from other languages in the region. The language has a complex phonological system, with a notable presence of consonant clusters and velar nasals.

Bantte is spoken by approximately 1,000 people, primarily in rural areas surrounding the traditional Bantatek village. The language is used in everyday communication, including family relationships, trade, and social interactions. However, the younger generation has shown a declining interest in learning and speaking Bantte, opting instead for Malay or English.

Limited documentation and research have been conducted on the language, making Bantte relatively unknown to linguists and the general public. Efforts to document and record the language are ongoing, aiming to preserve its unique characteristics and cultural significance.

Further research is necessary to fully understand the linguistic features and grammatical structure of Bantte. Nonetheless, existing studies have provided valuable insights into its distinctiveness within the Austronesian language family. As a study language, Bantte offers opportunities for researchers to delve into previously unexplored linguistic phenomena.