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Adil Elshiekh Abdalla

Language maintenance and language shift among Arabized Malays (Makkawiyiin)

This study investigates the situation of the Arabic language amongst Malaysian citizens who were born in Saudi Arabia, acquired the Arabic language, speak it as their mother tongue, and adopt the Arabic culture. These people are known locally as Makkawiyiin (Meccans). Data were collected from 73 selected Makkawiyiin via questionnaire, interviews, and personal observations. The results show that these people have a high level of Arabic proficiency. They do not experience language loss nor face many problems in preserving the Arabic culture, and are keen to use Arabic in communicating with others. However, because Malay is the medium of instruction, language shift is observable. The subjects are trying to pass the Arabic language on to their children. Implications from these findings are discussed.

International Journal of the Sociology of Language, Walter de Gruyter

Print ISSN: 0165-2516
Volume: 2006, 11/2006
Pages: 101 - 115

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