Constructing ethnic and national identities in talk on Malaysian issues

Abstract

This paper examines the connection between ethnic identity, the articulation of these identities through discourse and the ideologies indexed by these identities in the interaction of Malaysian speakers. Based on selected episodes of radio discussions, the study focuses on how speakers identify or self-categorise themselves, in such a way that makes ethnic identity relevant to the discussion. The study draws upon existing literature on types of identities in interactions and membership categorisation analysis (MCA) in investigating how speakers make ethnic identity relevant to the discussion on Malaysian issues through the act of self-categorisation. In the context of these discussions, the membership categorisation device (MCD) ‘Malaysian’ and ethnic identities acquire very specific meanings through the practice of self-categorisation. While some speakers focused on the ethnic culture and traditions, others are more interested in sharing their experiences based on their own ethnic identities and interactions amongst the society. Social issues like dealing with rights and obligations of certain ethnic or social groups and developing one’s sense of ethnic identity, among others, motivate speakers to offer their stance on these issues. In this way, their views and expressions of ethnic identity come to position themselves in terms of these interactional specific roles and identities as Malaysians.