Language use and language shift in the Baba and Nyonya speech community in Melaka

Abstract

The main purpose of the study is to identify and document reasons to the declining usage of Baba Malay in the Baba and Nyonya speech community in Melaka. The key concept of domain analysis in relation to specific language choice by Fishman (1972a, 1972b, 1986) was used as the framework of the study as changes in language choice and language use could determine forms of maintenance or displacement of the Baba Malay language. Twenty-one Baba and Nyonya informants participated in the study and two elicitation techniques were used. First, a set of questionnaire was administered to look into the language choice and language use among the speakers. The information collected was then analysed according to the patterns of language shift in the community. Second, interview sessions were conducted to validate the feedback obtained from the questionnaire. The outcome of the study revealed that language shift is taking place in this speech community but not at rapid rate. The shift to Malay and other dominant languages implied a loss of the language overtime as indicated by the speakers' language choice and language use. Education, job opportunities and socialization are identified as primary factors contributing to the phenomena.