In quest of a new identity? Language variation in Sabah

• Seong Lin Ding ^[1] ; Chong-chieh Wu ^[2] ; Kim Leng Goh ^[1]
  1. [1] University of Malaya

     University of Malaya

     Malasia

     
  2. [2] National Kaohsiung Normal University

     National Kaohsiung Normal University

     Taiwán

     
• Localización: Lingua: International review of general linguistics, ISSN 0024-3841, Nº 227, 2019
• Idioma: inglés
• Texto completo no disponible (Saber más ...)
• Resumen

  • While work on lesser-studied languages has been increasing, it is fair to say that variationist sociolinguistics as a whole has not energetically engaged with under-represented languages, especially ‘small’ languages in non-Western contexts (Stanford, 2016). By drawing attention to the variations in the Hakka language in Malaysia, this study aims to use language variation as an analytical lens through which the changes in the linguistic dimensions can be viewed from a social perspective and interpreted as socially meaningful. Data were gathered via interviews and questionnaires in Kota Kinabalu, the state capital of Sabah. The findings show evidence of phonological and lexical change in progress in the Hakka spoken by the community, indicating a change from various ancestral-oriented Hakka varieties towards a major region-oriented variety. Socioeconomic and socio-historical impacts, language contact and accommodation are the main causes for this variation. We argue, however, that the language variation observed also represents the pursuit of a collective language/identity at the expense of the ancestral language/identity. It therefore highlights the efforts (and struggles) of minority communities in countries where heritage languages are considered peripheral and marginalised