Dayak Bible History (3)

**List: Dayak Ministry the Bible ( Al-Kitab ) Dayak... DAJAK. "I.--GEOGRAPHICAL EXTENT AND STATISTICS. THE island of Borneo lies under the equator, and extends over eleven degrees of latitude, and the same number of degrees of longitude.   With the exception of its sea border, it is still unexplored; for although, several Europeans have endeavoured to penetrate into the inland parts, they have perished in the attempt. Hence little is known with certainty respecting the aboriginal inhabitants, who, for the most part, have been driven into the interior by the Malays, the Chinese, the Cambodians, the Bugis, and other nations, by whom the greater part of the sea coast is now occupied.   The numerous tribes into which the natives are divided appear to have each a peculiar dialect; yet in other respects they so closely resemble each other, that they are believed to have originally belonged to one and the same nation.   They are called Idaan on the north-east coast; Biaju is their designation in the south-east; while in the northern and western parts of the island they are known to the Malays under the name of Dajak, or Dyak.   Specimens of the principal dialects spoken among them have been collected by Sir James Brooke and Captain Keppel, and it has been ascertained beyond a doubt that these dialects collectively form a link in the great chain of Malayo-Polynesian languages.   These tribes are supposed to belong to the Haraforan variety of mankind.   A black or negrito race, distinct from them in person and language, and resem- bling the African negro, is said to exist in the most inaccessible parts of the interior.    The Dajak language is closely allied to the Malay.   It contains a great quantity of words which are identical with it; and in many other instances Malay words only change either their vowels or one of their consonants when spoken by the Dajaks.   In other cases the similarity of Dajak words may be traced to other Malayo-Polynesian languages; such as the Madagasse, etc.    In this language [omit].    The country of the land Dajaks (so called to distinguish them from the water Dajaks who inhabit the shores) has been described as comprised between the river Pontiana, and a line drawn in the third degree of north latitude, till it intersects the course of that river.   The Malays, who possess the coasts of this region, are a fierce and cruel people, and from time immemorial the Dajaks have been their bondsmen.   In 1795, the land Dajaks numbered about 14,360 Individuals; whereas in 1846 they were reduced in number by famine, sickness, and oppression, to 6,792.   Their language, however, was said in 1847 to be spoken by 100,000 people.   Those among them who have made any advances towards civilisation have embraced Moh_mm_danism; the rest are thought to be idolaters, but their particular system of superstition has not been clearly explained.   That their creed, whatever it may be, is of the most revolting nature, appears from their barbarous custom of possessing themselves of human heads; and a vast number of human beings have been sacrificed for the sake of these horrible trophies. III.--VERSION OF THE SCRIPTURES IN THIS DIALECT.    A translation of the New Testament, for the spiritual enlightenment of the Dajaks, was commenced by the mies. of the Rhenish Mission, in 1843.   It was completed in 1846, and Mr. Hardiland, one of the mies., was deputed by his brethren to revise it, and to print an edition of 1500 copies, at the Cape of Good Hope.   The expenses were defrayed by the British and Foreign Bible Society. This version is written in a dialect of the Dajak called Poelopetak, which prevails almost over the whole south side of Borneo.   It is spoken by nearly 50,000 individuals; for although the district of Poelopetak itself contains but 10,000 inhabitants, the tribes of Patei, Dusson, Sampit, etc., who have their own dialects, are able to speak and understand the Poelopetak.   This has arisen from the com- mercial intercourse existing between the people of Poelopetak and the other tribes.    It has been found that this version is readily understood by all the natives who employ the Dajak dialect, and so eagerly were the copies sought after that the whole edition was exhausted within six years after its issue in the island.   A new edition is urgently called for, and a revision of the text has been completed for the purpose.   "We have abundant cause (wrote Mr. Hardiland in 1853) to bless the Lord, and to be of good courage, persuaded that He, who began the good work, will carry it on to a final and full triumph.   Many hundreds have learned to read fluently, and are provided with New Testaments; and we now reckon at our two stations in Poelopetak alone--we have, besides these, three stations in other parts of the country--at least 1000 scholars.   Added to this, our services continue to be well attended, and the desire for baptism is on the increase."   These gratifying symptoms have con- tinued to be manifested during the period that has since elapsed."-- The Bible of Every Land. (1860, Second Edition)   Samuel Bagster   [Info only] DAJAK.--1860   S. Bagster   [Info only: n.d. John 1:1-14 unknown (Anak @ 1:14); used Hatalla.]

[Christian Helps Ministry (USA)] [Christian Home Bible Course]