Ting, S. H., & Ling, T. Y. (2011). Ethnic identity of young Malaysians in Sarawak. Malaysian Journal of Youth Studies, 5, 165-176. (original) (raw)
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Whether language is viewed as a necessity or an optional symbol of ethnic identity has profound influence on the retention of the language in the linguistic repertoire of future generations. The value attributed to language as an ethnic marker also has implications on whether language can function as an instrument of solidarity in the speech community. The study examined the salience of language as a marker of ethnicity for the indigenous Bidayuh community in Sarawak, Malaysia. The specific aspects studied were primary markers of ethnic identity and variations in perceptions across age groups. Questionnaires were distributed to 151 Bidayuhs from different age groups (secondary school students, university students, working adults). The participants ranked the importance of identity markers including parentage, language and other cultural elements. The results showed that Bidayuh parentage surfaced as an important ethnic marker only later in life but language is a salient ethnic symbol for all age groups. Another important ethnic symbol is the Gawai celebration, a harvest festival which has both religious and social significance. Interestingly the value placed on markers of ethnic membership increased with age, in spite of lessened use of Bidayuh in daily interactions. The findings are discussed in the context of ethnic identity categorisations.
Handbook of Language and Ethnic Identity.:Handbook of Language and Ethnic Identity
Journal of Linguistic Anthropology, 2003
Fishman's Handbook of Language and Ethnic Identity presents an introductory overview of the relationship between ethnicity and language intended for nonspecialist readers. The first section of the book introduces various disciplinary approaches, while the second part (which makes up most of the book) provides background on particular geographic regions or speech communities. These geographic areas are divided into four broad categories (the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia and the Pacific). Each of the subsections also includes a general map of the area(s) covered in the text. The maps have very little detail and are intended as a basic resource for those using the volume as a textbook. In keeping with the textbook format, each chapter contains an overview of a particular topic, a set of discussion questions, and suggestions for further reading.
Exploring the relationship between language, culture and identity
GEMA: Online Journal of Language Studies, 2003
This paper will explore the interconnectedness of language and culture, and how language and culture impact upon one's identity. It will first define the three constructs -language, culture and identity. This will be followed by an overview of the work of social theorists and educationists. The paper will then present a review of literature of research studies in the field. Recent studies on the interplay of language and culture and its impact on social and cultural identity in the field of Second Language Acquisition will be highlighted. Lastly the paper concludes with a discussion of recent research studies on language and identity in the Malaysian context.
WHAT IS THE POINT OF US TALKING? ETHNIC LANGUAGE AND ETHNIC IDENTITY IN NORTHERN BORNEO, MALAYSIA
Language and ethnic identity have been intrinsically linked where an individual’s ability to speak an ethnic language is said to reflect the extent of his or her belonging to that particular ethnic group. This study looks at the case of an indigenous community, the Kayan who live in the interior part of Sarawak, on the island of Borneo. With over 30 different ethnic groups living in Sarawak, how one speaks the indigenous language can be a crucial identifier to his or her ethnic identity and sense of belonging to the ethnic group. This paper highlights how the Kayan community reflects on the importance and use of their ethnic language and how they view the language in relation to their belonging to the ethnic group. The paper focuses on the way the older generation perceives language use amongst the young speakers of the ethnic language and seeks to specifically provide a case study of ethnic identity, language use and attitudes in Sarawak, Borneo. Keywords: Borneo, Ethnic identity and language, Kayan, language use and attitudes, Language loss.
The Ethnic and Linguistic Identity
2015
Abstract. This article investigates the development of the identity of young non-Estonians, depending on their language environment and linguistic origin. The study focuses on the changing ethnic and linguistic identity of people in areas with a large concentration of non-Estonians – Tallinn and Ida-Virumaa. A comparison is made between young people from monolingual and bilingual families who have graduated from schools with Russian language of instruction. The purpose is to find out how linguistic origin, language environ-ment, frequency of communication with speakers of Estonian and the level of skills in the official language relate to the ethnic and linguistic identity of young non-Estonians; and how the linguistic self-identification of non-Estonians and their identity change due to factors influencing the society. Written questionnaires were used as the method for conducting the research.