The use of and attitude towards Cantonese among Chinese Malaysians in Kuala Lumpur / Lew Voon Khong

Lew , Voon Khong (2024) The use of and attitude towards Cantonese among Chinese Malaysians in Kuala Lumpur / Lew Voon Khong. Masters thesis, Universiti Malaya.

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Abstract

This study aims to investigate the use of and attitude towards Cantonese among Chinese Malaysians in Kuala Lumpur. Understanding the use of Cantonese and attitude is essential in evaluating and maintaining the vitality of Cantonese and to design strategies to revitalise the language. However, very few studies have investigated Cantonese in Malaysia. The methodology used was questionnaire and semi-structured interview. Findings show that roughly one-third of the participants used Cantonese regularly at home. Overall, the use of Cantonese in the public domain is above average except at government departments and schools. For instrumental orientation, the participants did not see Cantonese as being valuable in education, but recognised its commercial value. A large majority of participants had a high integrative orientation and perceived Cantonese as an integral and important element of the identity of the Chinese community in Kuala Lumpur. Main factors which contributed to the use of and attitude toward Cantonese include Chinese subgroup identity, family, birthplace, age, neighbourhood, school policy, gender, self-perceived proficiency of Cantonese, and pop culture. This study provides useful insights into the current situation of Cantonese use in Kuala Lumpur and has implications for maintaining and revitalising the language.

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