Sociolinguistics of the spectres: Perspectives of the Ibans of Sarawak

Abstract

This study explores the sociolinguistics of spectres within the cultural context of the Iban in Sarawak. Like many societies worldwide, the Iban view the voices of gods, ancestors, dreams, spirits, and ghosts as inherent components of both their everyday and ceremonial experiences. These voices, representing the continuum of past, present, and future, (Deumert, 2022, p. 4), are encountered through ritual practices. Contrary to Western perspectives that may dismiss such narratives as accounts of supernatural phenomena and therefore not inherently "real" or "true," this study employs the framework of the 'sociolinguistics of the spectre', (Deumert, 2018, 2022) to interpret these narrated voices as integral to the lived experiences of the Ibans. Central to this investigation are the narratives shared by nine participants regarding their ritual practices and beliefs. The study seeks to understand how the Ibans articulate their encounters with the voices of gods, ancestors, dreams, spirits, and ghosts. Moreover, it aims to explore the evolving nature of Iban ritual beliefs and practices, as well as the perspectives of the community on these changes. Adopting an insider-researcher stance, this study contributes novel insights into Iban ritual beliefs and practices. By examining the attitudes towards changing ritual dynamics within the community, it sheds light on the intricate interplay between tradition and modernity within Iban society. Through this exploration, the thesis aims to enrich our understanding of cultural dynamics and the complexities of belief systems in the contemporary world.