The Malay Language Chalennges in the Colonial Era in Malaysia 1900-1957

Abstract

This article discusses the challenges of raising the Malay language standard during the British colonial era until year 1970 in Malaysia. The focus of the discussion relies on the challenges to uphold the language in each phase of colonialism until post independence. The method used in the research is a qualitative approach mainly on document analysis. The research phase according to this method consists of heuristics, critique, data interpretation and historiography. The results of this study show that the strength of the Malay language in facing the challenges during the colonial is based on two main factors, namely the British colonial policy that discriminated against locals and the Japanese colonialism that failed to put the Japanese language to the same level of importance as the Malay language in administration. This study can prove that the position of the Malay language can be strengthened through the comprehensive efforts of the speakers in establishing it as the main language in terms of the the economic and administrative aspects as well as strengthening it academically.