Batek Phrases for Biodiversity Researchers: A Preliminary Language Descriptive Analysis

The Kuala Keniam Research Centre is situated on the Tembeling ­riverbank within Pahang’s Malaysian National Park. Researchers may request to use this center which operates as a transit point for accommodation and access to Batek Orang Asli guides. These Batek guides have precious knowledge of the Malaysian jungle flora and fauna which are valuable to biodiversity researchers. Unfortunately, their limited competence of the English language would hinder their willingness to share such information. Thus, it is pertinent for researchers to know some basic Batek phrases which can ease the cultural and language ­barrier. Data were collected through experiential observant-participation of approximately three months’ field visits. Findings may provide essential Batek phrases for future researchers and may suggest that the /-lew/ stem is a possible indicator of Wh- questions equivalent. IPA transcription is provided for easy reference and some descriptive analysis is included for the future establishment of Batek grammar.