| Malaysia is a multi-ethnic nation with many coexisting languages.The status of various languages has always been one of the focuses of concern and controversy among different ethnic groups.Looking at the development trajectory of language policy of Malaysia after independence,we can see that the period from the eve of independence to the 1970 s is the forming and strengthening period of Malaysia’s monolingual policy.The period of the New Economic Policy(1970-1990)served as a period of consolidation for the monolingual policy.In the 1990 s,with the changes in international and domestic environment,the Malaysian government adopted relatively“small open” policy in language policy.This period is the period of policy change.This series of policy changes is the result of multiple factors such as politics,economy,history,and diplomacy.The Malaysian Chinese is the second largest ethnic group in Malaysia.The status of its native language,Mandarin,has always been a focal point in the formulation of Malaysian language policy.As symbol of ethnic culture,language is also closely related to national identity.The change in language policy is an important factor affecting Malaysian Chinese’s national identity.In general,the national identity of Malaysia Chinese is in a relatively stable state.At the same time,it is in a process of continuous development and adjustment.The approval has always been the mainstream,and the defiance is only a partial strategy under specific policies and specific policies.Language policy is just one but not determinant factor in the change of Malaysian Chinese’s national identity.However,its role shall not be underestimated. |
