Mah Meri people: Difference between revisions
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In common with other Orang Asli Villages, each kampung elects its own Batin (Village Headman) and a council of 'elders' to represent the people living in the kampung. The Batin is paid an annual salary by the Malaysian government. The Bomoh, who functions as a shaman in their society, plays an important role in the kampung. |
In common with other Orang Asli Villages, each kampung elects its own Batin (Village Headman) and a council of 'elders' to represent the people living in the kampung. The Batin is paid an annual salary by the Malaysian government. The Bomoh, who functions as a shaman in their society, plays an important role in the kampung. |
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== Language == |
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The Mah Meri language, also called '''Besisi''' is a native language of the Mah Meri people. It is part of [[Semelaic languages|Semelaic]] sub-branch of [[Aslian languages]] which is part of [[Austroasiatic languages]] and is related to [[Semelai language|Semelai]] and [[Temoq language|Temoq]] in [[Pahang]] as well as [[Semaq Beri language|Semaq Beri]] in [[Terengganu]]. The language also borrowed various loanwords from [[Malay language|Malay]]. There are an estimated 3,000 people still speak the language. |
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== Mah Meri settlements == |
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==Traditional dances== |
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== Language == |
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* Tarian Jo'oh (Jungle dance) |
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The Mah Meri language, sometimes also called [[Besisi]] is one of the [[Mon-Khmer]] language group but has also borrowed from Malay. |
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* Tarian Topeng (Mask dance) |
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== References == |
== References == |
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Revision as of 16:30, 10 July 2015
| Regions with significant populations | |
|---|---|
| Pulau Carey | |
| Languages | |
| Besisi, Malay | |
| Religion | |
| Forest & Natural Spirituality | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Senoi subgroup which includes the Che Wong, Jah Hut, Semoq Beri, Semai & Temiar |
The Mah Meri (pronounced [max mri]) is an ethnic group native to western part of Peninsular Malaysia. They are one of the 18 Orang Asli groups named by the Malaysian government. They are of the Senoi subgroup. Most of the members of the Mah Meri tribe live along the coast of South Selangor from Sungei Pelek up to Pulau Carey, although there is at least one Mah Meri Community on the other side of the Klang River.
According to the Orang Asli Office of the Malaysian government,[1] they numbered around 2200 in 2005.
Most of the Mah Meri live in small villages (kampungs) on the fringes of other cities and on Pulau Carey, which has five separate villages of Mah Meri.
Political Organization
In common with other Orang Asli Villages, each kampung elects its own Batin (Village Headman) and a council of 'elders' to represent the people living in the kampung. The Batin is paid an annual salary by the Malaysian government. The Bomoh, who functions as a shaman in their society, plays an important role in the kampung.
Language
The Mah Meri language, also called Besisi is a native language of the Mah Meri people. It is part of Semelaic sub-branch of Aslian languages which is part of Austroasiatic languages and is related to Semelai and Temoq in Pahang as well as Semaq Beri in Terengganu. The language also borrowed various loanwords from Malay. There are an estimated 3,000 people still speak the language.
Mah Meri settlements
| Name of Kampung | Nearest Town |
|---|---|
| Kampung Orang Asli Bukit Bangkong | Sungei Pelek
Kampung Orang Asli Tg Sepat |
| Kampung Orang Asli Sungei Kurau | Pulau Carey |
| Kampung Orang Asli Sungei Judah | Pulau Carey |
| Kampung Orang Asli Sungei Bumbun | Pulau Carey |
| Kampung Orang Asli Sungei Jugra | Pulau Carey |
Traditional dances
- Tarian Jo'oh (Jungle dance)
- Tarian Topeng (Mask dance)