English in Malaysia

Abstract

Abstract When Malaysia gained independence in 1957, it had inherited a number of different languages and dialects. Article 152 of the Constitution made Malay the official and sole national language. English became the second most important language although its use in official domains would be phased out after ten years. This chapter provides an overview of Malaysian English (MalE) by tracing its historical, sociopolitical, and sociocultural development in the years prior to independence until today. Firstly, it describes the arrival of English during the colonial period and how English became embedded in the multilingual habitat of the country. Secondly, it discusses the status of English and the different linguistics forms of English that have emerged. Thirdly, English in different functional domains is illustrated with examples from various domains, most notably the media and law. Finally, reflections on the future prospects for English in the country (and, indeed, the region) are given.