Page:Journal of the Straits Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society (IA journalofstrait121878roya).pdf/149

 along its separate path, it assumes an entirely new aspect when we compare it with other races."

To assist in the collection of dialects the following Vocabulary, consisting of one hundred words and fifteen numerals, has been compiled and printed by the Society; and will it is hoped prove of use, particularly in regard to the various Semang, Sakei and Jakun dialects in the interior of the Peninsula.

In collecting Vocabularies the following points should be borne in mind, in order to facilitate the comparison of one dialect with another.

1. In all cases to ascertain the exact name and locality (or nomadic district) of the tribe, as described by itself.

2. In taking down such generic words as "tree" and "bird" to distinguish carefully the general name (if there is one) from the names of particular kinds of tree and birds. This rule has a very wide application among uncivilized Tribes, which commonly possess but one word for arm, hand and for leg, foot &c., &c.

3. To give all the synonymous or nearly synonymous words in use in each case, with easy distinction of their meaning as far as possible. Undeveloped dialects usually possess a very redundant Vocabulary in respect of objects

4. To observe carefully whether or not a word be of one syllable and if of more than one syllable whether or not it be a compound word. This is particularly important where the words begin or end, as they frequently do in such dialects, with a double consonant like "Kn," or "Np."

5. To observe and represent the sound of each word as fully and exactly as possible, and for this purpose to adhere to the system of spelling recommended in the report published at page 45 of this Journal. The following is a List of words, the equivalents for which it is desired, for the purpose of comparison, to obtain in as many of the Wild-Tribe Dialects as possible.