The Malay Language and Ethnic Identity in Modern Malaysia

Abstract

Colonial discourse about the language and the ethnic group were often at odds with each other. Yet, this conflicting, orientalistic mythology about Malay still functions in contemporary discussions about language and ethnicity in Malaysia. This essay aims at constructing a new vantage point from which to view Malay. Instead of focusing on its uniqueness, is seen within the context of its language neighbourhood, that is its relationship to Malaysia's other Malayo-Polynesian languages, Malaysia's non-Malayo-Polynesian languages and the diverse regional and social dialects of in Malaysia. Instead of discussing as apolitical, nationstate phenomenon, is considered as a demographic, emblematic and negotiated phenomenon. We must find new ways of looking at and talking about language and ethnicity; we need to produce new knowledge, not merely repeat colonial myths. Key words: colonial discourse, language, ethnic identity, Malayo-Polynesia ABSTRAK Wacana kolonial tentang bahasa dan bangsa Melayu sering saling bercanggah. Namun, mitos orientalistik yang bertentangan itu masih berperan dalam perbincangan hari ini tentang bahasa dan jati diri di Malaysia. Tulisan ini bertujuan mencari perspektif baru untuk melihat Melayu. Bukan keunikan bahasa Melayu yang akan ditekankan, tetapi keberkaitannya dalam lingkungan bahasanya, maksudnya hubungan bahasa Melayu dengan segala bahasa Melayu- Polinesia dan non-Melayu-Polinesia yang dituturkan di Malaysia serta pelbagai dialek Melayu sosial dan regional di Malaysia. Bukan bahasa Melayu sebagai fenomenon politik dalam pembinaan negara yang hendak ditinjau, tetapi sebagai fenomenon demografi, perlambangan dan persetujuan. Kita wajar mencari pendekatan baru untuk menyemak bahasa dan etnisiti Melayu; kita wajib menghasilkan ilmu baru, bukan hanya sekadar mengulang-ulangi mitologi kolonial. Kata kunci: wacana kolonial, bahasa Melayu, identiti etnik, Melayu-Polinesia

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