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

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.