The Effectiveness Of Preserving Iban "Ensera" (Folktales) Through The Medium Of Wai Fm Radio In Miri Division

Abstract

Iban is the largest ethnic group in Sarawak, constituting about 30% of the population of Sarawak. Like other Dayak in Sarawak, Iban did not have a writing system earlier. Instead, they relied on a rich oral tradition to pass on ancient knowledge and traditions. Being a component of the indigenous knowledge, “ensera” (Iban folktales) was transmitted through orality. The art of “ensera” or Iban storytelling is one aspect of the expressive arts of Iban oral literature. With the advent of globalisation and modernisation, much of the traditional cultures of the Ibans have eroded. As the present generation’s Iban Language proficiency is declining, Iban Literature is vulnerable to be gradually forgotten. The main purpose of this paper is to examine the effectiveness of preserving the oral tradition of “ensera” in Miri Division through the medium of the Iban radio weekly programme named “Pengigat Tuai”. The sample population for this study consisted of 75 respondents from four Iban longhouses and residential areas in Miri, who are active listeners of Wai FM from three categories; the child generation, the parent generation, and the grandparent generation. The study indicated that the preservation of Iban Ensera through the medium of radio is effective with majority listeners from the grandparent and parent generations.