The present paper traces the history of language policy in Malaysia from the British colonial per... more The present paper traces the history of language policy in Malaysia from the British colonial period to the present. It examines the impact that language policies have had on the process of nation building. In light of the country's complex demographics, the article explores how shifting and sometimes contradictory policy decisions have impacted Malay identity, Malaysian identity, and national unity among the country's citizens. Finally, it examines the importance of proficiency in English, Mandarin, Tamil, and Malay for Malaysia as a country and for individual Malaysians when interacting in the global milieu.
The present paper traces the history of language policy in Malaysia from the British colonial per... more The present paper traces the history of language policy in Malaysia from the British colonial period to the present. It examines the impact that language policies have had on the process of nation building. In light of the country's complex demographics, the article explores how shifting and sometimes contradictory policy decisions have impacted Malay identity, Malaysian identity, and national unity among the country's citizens. Finally, it examines the importance of proficiency in English, Mandarin, Tamil, and Malay for Malaysia as a country and for individual Malaysians when interacting in the global milieu.
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Papers by HO YIN CHAN