A Study Of Chinese Cultural Identity In Makassar,Indonesia

This survey studies Chinese Indonesians in Makassar,Indonesia.The aim of this research is to examine the aspects of Chinese culture in the lives of Chinese Indonesians in Makassar and to find out whether they recognize its existence.In this study,we look at their monthly income level,their practice of Chinese language in the society,their Chinese language level,their Chinese ancestors providence,their age and their genders.In this study,in addition to sending out questionnaires,a number of Makassar Chinese were also interviewed in order to understand their situation and way of thinking.Furthermore,we also analyzed their emotion,behavior,cognition and their Chinese cultural identity.The results showed that Indonesians over the age of 51,compared to other age ranges,have higher score in the four factors:cognitive,behavioral,emotional and Chinese cultural identity.The intergenerational aspect also affects this Chinese identity score.As a result,the third generation has the lowest Chinese culture level score,and this score increases for generations above and below this second generation.Therefore,this score keeps on increasing from the third generation to the forth and to generations above this fourth generation.The results of this survey also vary according to the subject's gender.By studying these subjects,we found out that women have higher score than men.In terms of their Chinese language level,the better their level is,the higher their score will be.On the contrary,the lower their score will be if their Chinese is not so good.The same results goes to their habit in using the language both at home and outside.As an example,if they can communicate in Chinese during their childhood(whether at home or outside),their Chinese cultural identity score will be high.Monthly income level and ancestral origin are less likely to affect Chinese cultural identity level score.