Malay language and the Malay identity : a case study of Malay tertiary students in Singapore.

• Main Author: Mohamed Hafiz Mohamed Ridwan.
• Other Authors: Kang Yoonhee
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2011
• Subjects: DRNTU::Social sciences::Sociology::Communities, classes and races
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/43794
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

This ethnographic study is an attempt to shed light on the interaction between language and the ethnic identity in Singapore. There have been numerous of studies in Singapore around language attitudes and the motivations behind the acquisition of second language. However, research studies on the role of language in the formation of ethnic identity have not received much attention. Hence, this study employs focus groups discussions on various aspects of language and identity among Malay youths from tertiary institutions. Also, participant observations are used to attest accounts collected within social situations. Participants shared their experiences, life stories, feelings, and perspectives about the role of their mother tongue (MT) in their lives. Language, both code and content, is a complicated dance between internal and external interpretations of identity. By interacting with others, the respondents believed that they can express their ethnic identity by the way language is used. Therefore, this study seeks to explore language use and attitudes as well as its importance to ethnic identity.