Pronunciation: [kˈɛlɐbˌɪt] (IPA) 
The word "kelabit" is spelled with five letters, but pronouncing it is a bit more complex. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced /kəˈlæbɪt/. The first syllable consists of a schwa sound followed by the letter "k". The second syllable has a short "a" sound followed by the consonants "l" and "b". The final syllable has a short "i" sound followed by the letter "t". The Kelabit people are an indigenous group in Sarawak, Malaysia.
Kelabit refers to both a language and an ethnic group primarily found in the highlands of Borneo, in the state of Sarawak, Malaysia. The Kelabit language is classified as an Austronesian language, belonging to the North Bornean branch. It is spoken by the Kelabit people, who number around 6,000 individuals. The Kelabit community has a predominantly agrarian lifestyle and traditionally practices swidden agriculture, with rice being their main staple crop.
In terms of ethnicity, the Kelabit people are highly regarded for their cultural heritage, known for their intricate beadwork, weaving, and unique traditional dance forms. They also have an ancient shared history with other indigenous groups in the region, notably the Lun Bawang and the Sa'ban.
The Kelabit language plays a significant role in preserving their cultural identity and communicating within their community. It is a complex language, featuring a wide array of consonant and vowel sounds. As a minority language, Kelabit faces the challenge of decreasing numbers of fluent speakers, putting it at risk of endangerment.
Efforts are being made to preserve Kelabit, including language revitalization programs initiated by the local government and community organizations. These initiatives involve language documentation, teaching the language in schools, and encouraging its use in various public domains.
Overall, Kelabit encompasses both a unique language and a vibrant ethnic group, representing a rich cultural tapestry in the highlands of Borneo.
The word "Kelabit" is derived from the indigenous language spoken by the Kelabit people, an ethnic group residing in the Borneo highlands of Sarawak, Malaysia, and neighboring areas in Indonesia. The etymology of the word itself is not well-documented, but it is believed to have originated from the Kelabit language.
The Kelabit language belongs to the Austronesian language family, which includes various languages spoken in Southeast Asia and the Pacific. Within the Austronesian family, Kelabit is classified as part of the Malayo-Polynesian subgroup.
The exact origins and meaning of the term "Kelabit" are unclear, as extensive historical records or etymological research may be lacking. It is plausible that the word has its roots in the Kelabit people's cultural and linguistic heritage.
