The Kadazan-English-Malay Webonary, an online dictionary developed by the Kadazandusun Language Foundation with support from local partners, is making native vocabulary more accessible than ever.
With over 30,000 Kadazan entries and nearly 29,000 Malay translations, it offers a rich, searchable resource at users’ fingertips.
Launched in February in conjunction with International Mother Language Day, the platform reflects a growing push to preserve cultural identity through technology.
Foundation chairman Philip Lasimbang said the challenge is clear: fewer young people are fluent in the language, and reversing that trend requires collective effort.
“When a language disappears, so does a part of who we are,” he said.
For the foundation, the Webonary is more than just a dictionary – it is a long-needed reference for students, educators and translators working with limited Kadazan-language materials.
It also builds on decades of work documenting Sabah’s linguistic heritage, including the Timugon dictionary for the Murut language.
Among users, the response has been encouraging. Civil servant Maklinus Antang, 43, said the platform offers a practical way for younger generations to reconnect with their roots, especially those who did not grow up speaking Kadazan fluently.
“It’s no longer just about learning from family members,” he said. “Now there’s a structured, reliable source that covers vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation.”
He added that the Webonary could also spark wider interest beyond the Kadazan community, giving others a window into the language while helping writers choose words more precisely.
For Connie Fred Mojuli, 42, the tool feels personal. Raised in a mixed Kadazan-Dusun household, she understands how easily a language can slip away without regular use at home.
She hopes the platform will eventually find its way into classrooms, giving children a stronger foundation in their linguistic heritage while balancing the influence of more dominant languages.
Sabah deputy chief minister III Ewon Benedick, who launched the initiative, described the Webonary as a “living archive” – not just a collection of words, but a space where language continues to grow and evolve.
In a world moving rapidly towards digital communication, the message behind the platform is simple: preserving a language today ensures it still has a voice tomorrow.