Languages and Literature /Contents

Orang Asli oral traditions

Juli Edo

In the absence of indigenous writing systems, oral traditions have played an important role in transmitting cultural values and norms, as well as indigenous knowledge within each of the Orang Asli communities of Peninsular Malaysia, and continue to do so. These traditions include myths, legends, origin stories, and oral histories. All of these are, for the Orang Asli, records of actual events. Each group has its own versions, although there are many common themes and shared elements.

  • Information in the full article includes
  • Storytellers
  • Origin tales
  • Moral and cultural takes
  • Humorous stories
  • Oral histories
Batin Long

The late Batin Long, formerly headman and shaman of the Jah Huts in Kampung Pian, Kula Krau, was renowned as a storyteller.