Iban Language Education in the Digital Age: A Conceptual Review via MIDBI Model
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24036/ijplc.v2i4.34Keywords:
Iban language, digital transformation, language education, technology-based pedagogy, cultural heritage, MIDBIAbstract
This article analyzes the development of Iban language education within the framework of the digital age, emphasizing the interaction among technology, pedagogy, and cultural factors. The Iban language faces challenges associated with modernization, digital readiness, and the preservation of cultural heritage in Malaysia. This study aims to conceptualize the improvement of Iban language instruction via digital innovation, while maintaining its cultural integrity. A qualitative conceptual literature review synthesized studies from 2010 to 2025, utilizing databases such as Scopus, ERIC, and MyJurnal. The text discusses Iban language education, indigenous pedagogy, digital transformation, and culturally sustaining teaching methodologies. The literature underwent thematic synthesis to identify recurring themes related to technological adaptation, pedagogical innovation, and cultural contextualization. The analysis employed established frameworks including Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK), Diffusion of Innovations Theory, and Culturally Sustaining Pedagogy. The findings indicate that effective Iban language education in the digital era requires a balanced integration of three dimensions, leading to the creation of the Model for Digital Integration of Iban Language (MIDBI). This study offers a conceptual framework for future empirical research and outlines implications for educators, policymakers, and curriculum developers focused on improving digital inclusion and cultural continuity in indigenous language education.
References
Adam, N. F. M., Rusli, N. F. M., Salleh, N. S., Mokhtar, W. K. W., & Abdullah, S. (2022). Kensiu language preservation: An analysis based on the typological framework of language threats. Jundishapur Journal of Microbiology, 15(1), 2640-2659.
Adzmi, N. A., Bidin, S., Selvaraj, B., & Saad, S. (2024). The role of gamification in enhancing engagement and motivation in language learning. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 8(9), 2402–2411.
Ahmad, N. S., & Rathakrishnan, M. (2025). Digital Technology Integration in Teaching and Learning Among Teachers in Kedah, Malaysia. International Journal of Instruction, Technology and Social Sciences, 4(1). https://doi.org/10.47577/ijitss.v4i.144
Antau, W. A., & Jamaludin, K. A. (2023). IBAN Language in National Education: Issues and Challenges. International Journal of Academic Research in Progressive Education and Development, 12(2), 2134-2142. http://dx.doi.org/10.6007/IJARPED/v12-i3/19324
Banseng, S., & Sandai, R. (2017). Unsur bahasa kiasan metafora dalam Sampi Iban. Pendeta: Jurnal Bahasa, Pendidikan dan Sastera Melayu, 8(1), 116–121.
Banseng, S., Sandai, R., & Rasool, S. (2021). Language of strata and expression in construction of sampi amongst Iban community in Malaysia. International Journal of Education, Information Technology, and Others, 4(3), 1–10.
Banseng, S., Sintian, M., & Sarudin, A. (2022). Problems faced in teaching Iban traditional poems amongst teachers: A need analysis. International Journal of Advanced Research in Education and Society, 4(3), 134–139.
Barrett, J., & Cocq, C. (2019). Indigenous storytelling and language learning: Digital media as a vehicle for cultural transmission and language acquisition. In T. O. Diallo, K. L. T. Gonçalves, & M. A. Wulfemeyer (Eds.), Language and the media: Linguistic analyses of media representations and media use (pp. 120–140). Brill. https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004298507_006
Bećirović, S. (2023). Challenges and barriers for effective integration of technologies into teaching and learning. In Digital pedagogy. SpringerBriefs in Education. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-0444-0_10
Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2021). Thematic analysis: A practical guide. SAGE Publications.
Butler, Y. G. (2011). The Implementation of Communicative and Task-Based Language Teaching in the Asia-Pacific Region. Annual Review of Applied Linguistics, 31, 36–57. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0267190511000122
Crump, D., & Head, C. (2022). Developing an Indigenous language revitalisation program – Indigenising Curriculum at The University of Queensland. University of Queensland Pressbooks.
Dash, N., & Mohapatra, L. M. (2025). Technology Empowered Teaching and Learning in Language Education: A Systematic Review. In Technology Driven Language Learning: Innovations and Applications (pp. 127–145). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-77232-0_8
Hamid, S. S. H. S., & Sueb, R. B. (2025). Bridging educational gaps through digital competency: A systematic literature review on teacher readiness and student self-concept in rural education. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 15(5), 1131–1142. https://doi.org/10.6007/IJARBSS/v15-i5/25479
Handrianto, C. (2025). Teknik menulis dan publikasi karya ilmiah: Panduan praktis untuk mahasiswa dan peneliti muda. PT Mafy Media Literasi Indonesia.
Higgins, R., Rewi, P., & Olsen-Reeder, V. (2020). The value of the Māori language: Te hua o te reo Māori. Huia Publishers.
Ibrahim, R., Hock, K. E., Rahman, M. A., & Dagdag, J. (2021). Perceptions of parents and teachers on students with learning disabilities (SLD) in malaysia. International Journal of Education, Information Technology and Others, 4(2), 287-298. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.5057585
Istifci, I., & Dogan Ucar, A. (2021). A review of research on the use of social media in language teaching and learning. Journal of Educational Technology and Online Learning, 4(3), 475–488. https://doi.org/10.31681/jetol.922968
Matt, D. G. F., Banseng, S., & Gerry, D. (2022). Effect of Wordwall in teaching Malay literature component amongst Form One students. International Journal of Education, Technology and Science, 2(3), 279–287.
McIvor, O., & Anisman, P. (2018). Keeping our languages alive: Strategies for revitalization. In Handbook of cultural security (pp. 129–144). Edward Elgar Publishing.
Metom, L., Ting, S. H., & Ling, H. N. (2021). The Iban of Sarawak, Malaysia: Ethnic Language Losing Ground to English and Sarawak Malay. Human Behavior, Development and Society, 22(3), 54–64. ISSN 2651-1762. https://so01.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/hbds/article/view/250198
Mishra, P., & Koehler, M. J. (2006). Technological pedagogical content knowledge: A framework for teacher knowledge. Teachers College Record, 108(6), 1017–1054.
Mohd Azmi, N. (2021). Bridging the Digital Divide in Malaysian Education. Penang Institute. https://penanginstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Bridging-the-Digital-Divide-in-Malaysian-Education.pdf
Mohamed Shuhidan, S., Abd Hakim, A. A., Wan Yahaya, W. A., Mohmud, M. S., Baharuddin, M. F., & Abdul Rahim, N. A. (2024). Assessing educational approaches to incorporate indigenous knowledge in enhancing learning motivation among Malaysian indigenous students. Asian Journal of University Education (AJUE), 20(2), 426–438 https://ajue.uitm.edu.my/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/14-Shamila_Assessing-Educational-Approaches.pdf
Morris, J., Jones, A., & McLeod, S. (2022). Indigenous language revitalization using TEK-nology: How can technology support intergenerational language transmission? Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development, 43(7), 617–632. https://doi.org/10.1080/01434632.2022.2084548
Nik Fauzi, S. F., Ngien, M. M., Jenny, Y. K., & Ismail, N. S. (2025). Enhancing language learning through gamification in linguistically diverse classrooms. International Journal on E-Learning and Higher Education (IJELHE), 20(2), 158–176.
Nordin, S. S. (2023). The impact of implementing Quizizz on developing vocabulary skills in language learning among Malaysian secondary school students in rural areas. International Journal on E-Learning Practices (IJELP), 6(1).
Omar, R., Mohamad, A. R., Jamil, H., & Raju, R. (2017). A review of challenges for professional development of Malaysian teachers. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 7(7), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.6007/IJARBSS/v7-i7/3153
Penang Institute. (2025). Bridging the Digital Divide in Malaysian Education. https://penanginstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Bridging-the-Digital-Divide-in-Malaysian-Education.pdf
Primus, B. D. (2024). Teacher professional development for educational reforms: A multiple-case study of Sabah’s secondary schools (Doctoral dissertation, University of Glasgow).
Ramadhani, D., Kenedi, A. K., & Rafli, M. F. (2022). Advancement of STEM-based digital module to enhance HOTS of prospective elementary school teachers. Jurnal Pendidikan Progresif, 12(2), 981-993. http://dx.doi.org/10.23960/jpp.v12.i2.202245
Sandai, R., Mahmud, C. T., & Sandai, D. (2019). An Integrated Pedagogy for Teaching Sung and Chanted Iban Traditional Poems (Leka Main). Journal of Interactive Learning Research, 30(3), 301–326. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1243473
Snyder, H. (2019). Literature review as a research methodology: An overview and guidelines. Journal of Business Research, 104, 333–339. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2019.07.039
Shuhidan, S., Yahaya, W., Hashim, H., & Baharuddin, M. F. (2022). Influence of digital literacy on learning engagement among secondary students in Malaysia. Environment-Behaviour Proceedings Journal, 7, 135–139. https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v7iSI10.4114
Ting, S. H., & Ling, C. H. (2020). Language use and attitudes as indicators of subjective vitality: The Iban of Sarawak, Malaysia. UNIMAS Institutional Repository. https://ir.unimas.my/id/eprint/31542/
UNESCO. (2023). Digital initiatives for Indigenous languages. https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/digital-initiatives-indigenous-languages
Wang, S., Wang, F., Zhu, Z., Wang, J., Tran, T., & Du, Z. (2024). Artificial intelligence in education: A systematic literature review. Expert Systems with Applications, 252(Part A), 124167. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eswa.2024.124167
Webster, J., & Watson, R. T. (2002). Analyzing the past to prepare for the future: Writing a literature review. MIS Quarterly, 26(2), xiii–xxiii.
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Saripah Banseng, Doratya Gerry, Debbie Grace Frederick Matt (Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
