A Comparison of Strategies for Revitalising the Malay Language in Malaysia and Regional Languages in Indonesia

Hilmiati M. Indi; Azman Che Mat; Akmaluddin Kertanah

Hilmiati M. Indi Universitas Islam Negeri Mataram, Indonesia.
Azman Che Mat Universiti Teknologi MARA Kampus Dungun, Terengganu, Malaysia.
Akmaluddin Kertanah Universitas Islam Negeri Mataram, Indonesia.

Abstract

This study aims to explain the strategies employed in Malaysia and Indonesia to support the revitalisation of the Malay language and the preservation of regional languages, including the opportunities and challenges faced. Indigenous languages are regarded as important assets in upholding local heritage and culture, as well as serving as agents of national unity. However, in today’s era of globalisation and advanced technology, these languages face various serious threats, including the dominance of foreign languages and the limited integration of heritage languages into modern education systems and media. Furthermore, the rapid development of communication technology has accelerated changes in language use, which indirectly erodes the value and function of indigenous languages in daily life. This study is grounded in the question of how effective language revitalisation and preservation strategies can be implemented in the context of two closely related countries that share cultural and linguistic roots but differ in terms of policy and implementation. Therefore, it is crucial to examine how these indigenous languages can be preserved within an increasingly challenging social, political and technological landscape. Using a comparative research methodology, this study compares language revitalisation and preservation strategies in both regions to identify their similarities and differences. The findings indicate that such strategies involve multiple key sectors, including education, media and technology, government policies, cultural activities, and the use of the Malay language and regional languages in daily life, both at home and in the workplace. Family involvement is also identified as a crucial element in language preservation. This study highlights the need to empower the status of Malay language and regional languages through approaches such as digitalisation, the development of modern literature that appeals to younger generations, supporting native speakers as preservation agents, and integrating regional languages into school teaching materials.

Keywords: Indigenous, Malay language, regional languages, preservation, threats, education

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