Negotiating ethnic identity within the confines of the bilingual language policy : a study of Non-Malay, Malay speakers

Abstract

This ethnographic study has been undertaken to shed light on the role of language in the construction of an ethnic identity in Singapore. The primary focus on language in Singapore is concentrated on the motivations of the Bilingual Policy and on the positive social, economic and political consequences of the policy on Singapore society since its adoption. However, the role the bilingual policy plays in ethnic identity construction has not received much attention. This study seeks to rectify this by employing qualitative research methods to study the role language plays in non-Malay, Malay speakers negotiation of their ethnic identity. Language plays a crucial role in forming human connections. Language, more than land or history, provides the essential form of belonging, which is to be understood (Salomone 2010). This study seeks to explore the importance of language on ethnic identity.