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Language Policy Challenges in Multi-Ethnic Malaysia pp 17–33Cite as

Language, Nation-Building and Identity Formation in a Multi-Ethnic Society

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Part of the book series: Multilingual Education ((MULT,volume 8))

Abstract

This chapter defines the terms nation, nationality and nationalism particularly in the context of a multi-lingual and multi-ethnic developing country such as Malaysia. It examines ethnic linguistic identities vis-à-vis nation building and nationalism and whether such identities create pluralism or divisiveness. It then looks at supranational identity and the role of English, the language of globalisation. Hence, three variations of identity in the context of Malaysian society are examined—the ethnic, the national, & the supranational, and their relationship to identity formation in Malaysia.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Professor of Language Planning and Policy & Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Industry and Community Partnerships), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (National University of Malaysia), Bangi, Malaysia

    Prof. Dr. Saran Kaur Gill

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  1. Prof. Dr. Saran Kaur Gill
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Correspondence to Saran Kaur Gill .

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Gill, S. (2014). Language, Nation-Building and Identity Formation in a Multi-Ethnic Society. In: Language Policy Challenges in Multi-Ethnic Malaysia. Multilingual Education, vol 8. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-7966-2_2

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