Language maintance and the preservation of ethanic identity: a case of Malay Muslims in Southern Thailand

Yamirudeng, Munirah and Kama, Nonglaksana (2011) Language maintance and the preservation of ethanic identity: a case of Malay Muslims in Southern Thailand. Journal of Islam In Asia (3). pp. 297-308. ISSN 1823-0970

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Abstract

Language is known to have an effect on ethnic identity in that language retention of a mother tongue acts as a stronger connector to the ethnic community for such persons as compared to those who do not retain the language. For cultural groups who hold knowledge of ethnic language as a core value, language shift can lead to a lose of ethnic identity, cultural fragmentation and “non-authentic” expressions of ethnicity This paper attempts to explore the symbolic role that language plays in the evolution and maintenance of ethnic identity within the Malay Muslim community in southern Thailand. It discusses how the Malay language was used as a symbol to create and sustain the Malay identity on the ways in which Malay Muslims today understand ethnic identity, and how ethnic language fits into their own ethnic self-identifications Therefore, this paper attempt to answer the question of Why Malay language constitutes vital elements in the maintenance of Malay ethnic identity among the Malays of southern Thailand? As a result two facts have been identified regarding the language and ethnicity link among Malay Muslims. First, Malay language is seen as a relevant ethno-cultural marker and its usage is limited within family, relatives and close friends. Second, Malay language is preserved in combination with Thai making many Malay Muslims bilingual, which is quite typical in the southern border provinces of Thailand.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Additional Information:	3430/6097
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Language - ethno-linguistic - ethnic identity - Muslim Minority - Malay Muslim of Thailand.
Subjects:	G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GN Anthropology P Language and Literature > PL Languages and literatures of Eastern Asia, Africa, Oceania > PL5101 Malay
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Centre for Languages and Pre-University Academic Development (CELPAD) > Quranic Language Division
Depositing User:	Asst. Prof. Dr. NONGLAKSANA KAMA
Date Deposited:	13 Dec 2012 16:49
Last Modified:	13 Dec 2012 17:06
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/27355

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• Language maintance and the preservation of ethanic identity: a case of Malay Muslims in Southern Thailand. (deposited 19 Oct 2011 13:52)
  • Language maintance and the preservation of ethanic identity: a case of Malay Muslims in Southern Thailand. (deposited 13 Dec 2012 16:49) [Currently Displayed]

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