Number of Kadazandusun Novel Writing Competition participants doubles from previous year

21 February 2022 By Wartawan Nabalu News KOTA KINABALU: The number of participants for Kadazandusun writers in the Fourth Kadazandusun Novel Writing Competition saw an increase – this time with 24 entries compared to 13 previously. On this, Tan Sri Bernard Giluk Dompok who is the advisor of the Kadazandusun Language Foundation (KLF) hopes that the participation would encourage others to join in future competitions organised by the foundation. “As announced during the previous competition that the prizes will be increased, I hope this can be a catalyst for Kadazandusun writers to produce more quality Kadazandusun reading materials particularly novels. “However, my observation is that the prizes have not been the main factor for participating in this competition; very much in evidence isthe participants’ enthusiasm and ‘I love my culture’ attitude that have inspired and motivated all of you in upholding the Kadazandusun culture through your respective works,” he said. Dompok was delivering his speech at the Tan Sri Bernard Giluk Dompok (TSBGD) Literary Award presentation and prize giving ceremony. The ceremony was screened online today in conjunction with International Mother Language Day (IMLD). The novel writing was mooted 10 years ago aimed to increase the pool of reading materials in Kadazandusun to support the teaching and learning of the language in school. “I encourage our writers to continue to apply the 4Ps, namely, Practice, Patience, Persistence, and Perseverance in their efforts to produce quality products such as novels. This can be practised by the Kadazandusuns in other fields as well. “This writing competition can cultivate the importance of preserving our culture, especially our mother tongue which is our ethnic cultural identity marker. Good quality writings and publications are among the ways to preserve our language and heritage as they can serve as reading materials to improve one's language and they form our heritage-in-print,” he asserted. At the same time, he said efforts need to be intensified in improving good reading habits among the Kadazandusuns, especially among the youths and young children to instill positive mind and attitude, thus enhance skills and increase knowledge among the Kadazandusuns. The Ethnic Language Unit of the Curriculum Development Centre, Ministry of Education which has formed the Kadazandusun Terminology Task Force is another positive milestone in the development of the Kadazandusun language, added the former UPKO President. The Kadazandusun Terminology Task Force comprise representatives from KLF, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), Institute of Teacher Education (IPGM), Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka and Bahasa Kadazandusun (BKD) language teachers. These members are tasked to develop and standardise terminologies used in the teaching and learning of the Kadazandusun language. “I am also aware that the Ministry of Education has set up a task force - JK Hala Tuju Kurikulum BKD – that will look into the future pathway of the teaching and learning of BKD. “Perhaps one of the aspects that can be looked at by this task force is implementing elements of literature in the teaching and learning of the language,” he stressed. With this, he encouraged all the participants of the competition to continue writing and improving their writing skills so that quality literary works and publications such as novels can be produced and be used in the teaching and learning of BKD. For this competition, Colista G. Kiloh was selected as the winner of the literary award this year with her work ‘Ninavau Di Aiso Nokito’ (translated to ‘The Unseen Light’) and brought home RM7,500 cash prize, a trophy, and a certificate. The other winners of were Noemi Salikup (second prize) with her work ‘Ngingis Nuh’ and Priscilla Gukim (third prize) with her work ‘Ika’. The consolation winners were Wailin Ransidin Sambandor, Angela @ Nelly Peter Lidadun (she won two consolation prizes), Olga George Kiloh, Alice Salat, Neomi Jemmy @ Edward, abd Viannie Tongguritom.