Malaysia for the young: land and identity in selected stories

Abstract

The myths, fables and stories we tell our children contribute to the molding of their sense of identity and place within the physical and social landscape that is Malaysia. In many stories old and new, how the landscape is depicted and the relationship that the characters in the story have with the land provide "maps of meaning that enable our children to make sense of the world. These maps contribute to children's sense of identity, an identity that is both personal and social" (T. Watkins; 2006). In addition, land is a potent symbol, with different meanings for the many ethnic groups that make up Malaysia. This paper with look at how land and the landscape is represented in young adult fiction by Malaysian writers such as Chuah Guat Eng, Shirley Lim, Ellina Abdul Majid and Khatijah Hashim.