Kaewnimit Malay Muslim Community and Malay Language Identity Maintenance

Abstract

The article has a main objective to study the language identity maintenance of the Malay Muslims whose lifestyles were affected in various dimensions by the mainstream cultures. The study aimed to explore the mechanisms by which the Malay Muslims in the Kaewnimit community maintain their linguistic identity. The research process also uncovered the reasons why this community continues to use Malay as their primary means of communication, while other Malay Muslim communities in and around Bangkok have largely lost their linguistic identity. In the Kaewnimit community, Patani Malay remains the dominant language, with Thai serving as a secondary language. Malay is commonly spoken within families, among relatives, and in daily life, particularly when religious practices are involved. This is evident in religious ceremonies where both the Malay language and Islamic traditions are closely intertwined. Thai, on the other hand, is more frequently used by the younger generation and by individuals interacting with people outside the community. Due to changing social contexts, the younger generation must adapt to broader societal norms to avoid isolation or division. However, this shift does not imply the abandonment of Malay identity; rather, the choice of language depends on the context of the communication. Despite the growing use of Thai, Patani Malay continues to thrive in the community due to various sociological and anthropological factors that support its preservation. The community actively works together to promote the transmission of their language to future generations, ensuring that it is not assimilated or lost.