8. The encroachment of English in Malaysian cultural expression
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Ismail S. Talib
Abstract
Malay is the national language of Malaysia. As such, there have been various policies and rules implemented to ensure that it is a dominant and widely used language in the country. However, its position and integrity have been pressured by the former colonial language, English. This chapter gives some examples of how English has permeated Malay cultural expression in literature, film and in the language of songs, and the various reactions to this, both positive and negative. Although the integrity of the language might be affected by excessive use of English words or phrases, some borrowings from English might be useful, especially if there are no equivalent words in Malay. While the dividing lines between practicality and linguistic integrity, and between aesthetic independence and the dilution of culture, may not always be clear, there are some examples, as discussed in this chapter, which could have resulted in a more moderate response.
Abstract
Malay is the national language of Malaysia. As such, there have been various policies and rules implemented to ensure that it is a dominant and widely used language in the country. However, its position and integrity have been pressured by the former colonial language, English. This chapter gives some examples of how English has permeated Malay cultural expression in literature, film and in the language of songs, and the various reactions to this, both positive and negative. Although the integrity of the language might be affected by excessive use of English words or phrases, some borrowings from English might be useful, especially if there are no equivalent words in Malay. While the dividing lines between practicality and linguistic integrity, and between aesthetic independence and the dilution of culture, may not always be clear, there are some examples, as discussed in this chapter, which could have resulted in a more moderate response.
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Preface vii
- 1. Language policies, language ideologies and local language practices 1
-
Part I. South Asia
- 2. The politics of Hinglish 21
- 3. Globalization and multilingualism 37
- 4. Kaduva of privileged power, instrument of rural empowerment? 61
- 5. The interface of language, literature and politics in Sri Lanka 81
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Part II. Southeast Asia
- 6. Governing English in Singapore 105
- 7. Uncertain locale 125
- 8. The encroachment of English in Malaysian cultural expression 145
- 9. “They think speaking in English isn’t good, you know” 167
- 10. The grip of English and Philippine language policy 187
- 11. Nimble tongues 205
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Part III. Asia Pacific
- 12. English vs. English conversation 227
- 13. Language policy and practice in English loanwords in Japanese 249
- 14. English speakers in Korea 269
- 15. English, class and neoliberalism in South Korea 287
- 16. Conclusion 303
- Contributors 317
- Index 321
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Preface vii
- 1. Language policies, language ideologies and local language practices 1
-
Part I. South Asia
- 2. The politics of Hinglish 21
- 3. Globalization and multilingualism 37
- 4. Kaduva of privileged power, instrument of rural empowerment? 61
- 5. The interface of language, literature and politics in Sri Lanka 81
-
Part II. Southeast Asia
- 6. Governing English in Singapore 105
- 7. Uncertain locale 125
- 8. The encroachment of English in Malaysian cultural expression 145
- 9. “They think speaking in English isn’t good, you know” 167
- 10. The grip of English and Philippine language policy 187
- 11. Nimble tongues 205
-
Part III. Asia Pacific
- 12. English vs. English conversation 227
- 13. Language policy and practice in English loanwords in Japanese 249
- 14. English speakers in Korea 269
- 15. English, class and neoliberalism in South Korea 287
- 16. Conclusion 303
- Contributors 317
- Index 321
