Art Theory: BVA 313 - 27/09/2019 (Book: Overseas Chinese - Chapter 5)

Part 2: Chinese Overseas – Chapter 5: Ethnic Chinese: Language, Nationality, and Identity.  

Looking into the distinction of language might give me a better picture of how society in Malaysia works. 

Introduction:

-       Language is undoubtedly an important indicator of ethnic identity. Especially linguistic acculturation and assimilation, five rises to different types of Chinese identities. 

-       Whether one speaks a Chinese language or not, does not make one less Chinese. 

-       In fact, Baba can claim to be a different type of Chinese by emphasizing that they speak Malay. 

Chinese literacy and Identity

Among ethnic Chinese, some are more acculturated than others. What’s the definition of “Pure Chinese”?

-       Separated into two categories: who can speak at least a Chinese language but cannot write in Chinese and those who are also literate in Chinese, that is who can speak Mandarin and write Chinese characters. 

-       Definition of  Chauvinistic: feeling or displaying aggressive or exaggerated patriotism. Displaying excessive or prejudiced support for their own cause, group, or sex. 

-       The Chinese-educated Chinese in Malaysia has always been contrasted with the English-educated Chinese: they do have different attitudes towards identity and cultural interests. 

-       Chinese should send their children to Chinese-medium schools. [Persistence of Chinese Identity] 

-       The issue of language and education poses a dilemma to all Chinese parents in Malaysia. 

Before going anywhere further. It is best to think if this is relevant to my project and see how the rest of the class thinks. Does the question sound relevant to my reseach project? 

Tan, C. (2004). Chinese overseas : Comparative cultural issues. Retrieved from https://ebookcentral.proquest.com