Malay/Indonesian as a Language of Knowledge and Practical Communication: Appraisal, Challenges and the Future

26/03/2008 - 09:00

26 - 28 March 2008
Leiden, the Netherlands

Venue:
Gravensteen
Room 111
Pieterskerkhof 6
2311 SR Leiden

As English becomes the global lingua franca, the usage, promotion and literature of vernacular languages across Southeast Asia are being threatened. In the last ten years, facilitated by the internet and the mass media, the English language has become a reality in the lives of millions of people in Southeast Asia. English is increasingly the language of choice for national, international, personal and business interactions, and the demand for learning English in the region has rocketed. Today the English language is being used in areas which were previously the exclusive domain of national languages in Southeast Asia. The consequences of this phenomenon have been tremendous. Despite the many positive efforts by language planners to develop, nurture and promote their national languages at all levels of society, the wave of English sweeping through Southeast Asia continues unabated.

Malay/Indonesian once held the title of lingua franca in this vast geographical region, and in particular  throughout Malaysia/Indonesia. For many years, despite the influx of English elements, Indonesian appeared to be holding on to its position, remaining strong and being used effectively throughout Indonesia. In Malaysia, 15 years ago Malay was considered a success story on language implementation, but has since lost ground, and is buckling under the pressure of English. In Singapore and Brunei, where Malay is also a national language, some would argue that the battle with English has already been lost. 

In the light of these developments, one wonders what the future will hold. Will Malay/Indonesian be languages destined to play second fiddle to English in many aspects of modern lives in the countries of Southeast Asia? During the Roundtable meeting on Malay Studies, 21 scholars will present papers on the literature and languages of Malay/Indonesian.  The focus will be on the current situation and the problems besetting these vernacular languages, and their position not only in Southeast Asia but across the world as well.

Participation is free of charge. Please note that lunch will not be provided.

If you have questions with regard to the Roundtable meeting, please do not hesitate to contact Ms Martina van den Haak at E m.van.den.haak@let.leidenuniv.nl or T +31 (0)71 527 2227.

Roundtable Organizing Committee:

Professor Mashudi Kader
European Chair of Malay Studies, International Institute for Asian Studies

Dr W. van der Molen
Department of Languages and Cultures of Southeast Asia and Oceania, Leiden University

Dr D. van Minde
Department of Languages and Cultures of Southeast Asia and Oceania, Leiden University

Martina van den Haak, MA
International Institute for Asian Studies