The Primordial Modernity of Malay Nationality: Contemporary Identity in Malaysia and Singapore

Humairah and Kamaludeen's study explores Malay national identity in Singapore and Malaysia, comparing elite and mass texts to consider primordial and modern aspects. It provides a comprehensive overview of Malay identity, valuable for scholars and sociologists.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 188 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Humairah and Kamaludeen delve into the intricate tapestry of contemporary Malay national identity in Singapore and Malaysia, adopting a comparative transnational lens. Their study explores how Malays in these two countries perceive and navigate their ethnic identity in the context of the states' construction of Malay national identity. Through a rigorous discourse analysis of a diverse range of elite and mass texts, including newspaper editorials, school textbooks, political speeches, novels, movies, and letters in local newspapers, the authors shed light on the multifaceted nature of Malay identity. They expand upon existing notions of Malay identity by incorporating primordial dimensions, as well as the more modern aspects such as cosmopolitan sensibilities and their approach to social mobility. This comprehensive overview provides a valuable resource for scholars of Southeast Asian culture and society, as well as sociologists interested in broader issues of ethnic and national identity.

Humairah and Kamaludeen's research offers a profound exploration of the complex dynamics between ethnicity, nationhood, and modernity in Singapore and Malaysia. By examining the ways in which Malays conceptualize and negotiate their identity within the broader framework of Malay national identity, they provide a valuable contribution to the field of Southeast Asian studies. Through their meticulous analysis of a wide range of textual sources, including newspaper editorials, school textbooks, political speeches, novels, movies, and letters, the authors offer a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of Malay identity. They challenge traditional notions of Malayness by highlighting the diverse and multifaceted aspects of this identity, including its primordial roots, its cosmopolitan sensibilities, and its engagement with social mobility. This study not only sheds light on the historical and cultural factors that shape Malay identity but also provides insights into the broader social and political dynamics of Singapore and Malaysia. It is a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, and policymakers interested in understanding the complexities of ethnic and national identity in the region.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032055848