Pronunciation: [dˈa͡ɪak] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "dyak" is often confused with "dyke" due to their similar pronunciation. However, the two words have different meanings and origins. "Dyak" is correctly spelled with a "y" and pronounced as /dyæk/. It refers to a member of a tribal group in Borneo, Indonesia. On the other hand, "dyke" is spelled with an "i" and pronounced as /daɪk/ or /daɪkɪz/. It is a slang term for a lesbian or a barrier used to prevent flooding.
Dyak is a noun that refers to a member of the Dayak people, a collective term for the indigenous ethnic groups inhabiting the island of Borneo. The Dayak people are indigenous to various regions of Borneo, including Sarawak, Sabah, Kalimantan, and Brunei. They are known for their rich cultural heritage, unique traditions, and diverse languages.
The term "dyak" can also pertain to the languages spoken by the Dayak people. Dayak languages consist of a number of distinct language families, including Ibanic, Barito, Murutic, Land Dayak, and Bakumpai-Taman. These languages typically have their own unique characteristics, grammatical structures, and vocabulary.
Historically, the Dayak people were known for their prowess in headhunting, which was once a significant practice in their societies. However, due to the impact of colonization, modernization, and changing cultural dynamics, these traditions have significantly diminished.
In contemporary usage, the term "dyak" has been considered outdated or even derogatory as it emerged during the colonial era. The Dayak people themselves prefer to be identified using their specific ethnic group names, such as Iban, Bidayuh, Kayan, Kenyah, or Murut, to highlight their distinct identities and cultures.
The word "Dyak" (also spelled Dayak or Daya) refers to a group of indigenous people living in Borneo, the third-largest island in the world. It is believed that the term "Dyak" was derived from the Malay language, specifically from the word "Daya" or "Dajak".
The exact origin of the term is not entirely clear, but it is suggested that it might have been derived from the Malay word "Dayah", which means "upriver" or "inland". This could be a reference to the dayak's location as people living in the interior regions, away from the coastal areas.
It is worth noting that the term "Dyak" was mainly used by outsiders, such as European colonizers, to refer to various indigenous groups in Borneo.
