Influence of ethnicity and hierarchical status on language choice in a multilingual organisation in Sarawak


 

THE SARAWAK MUSEUM JOURNAL
VOL LXIV NO.85 DECEMBER 2007

 
 
Title : 
Influence of Ethnicity and Hierarchical Status on Language Choice in a Multilingual Organisation in Sarawak.

Author : 
Su-Hie Ting.

Abstract:
Language choice is an intercultural issue at workplaces in multiethnic communities because interactions between employees of different ethnic groups involve the use of different languages, all of which have their respective social meanings. As Cargile, Giles, Ryan, and Bradac (1994, p. 211) have pointed out, “language is a powerful social force that does more than convey intended referential information. Our views of others- their supposed capabilities, beliefs and attributes— are determined, in part, by inferences we make from the language features they adopt.” In other words, language is a social marker. Language is a vital aspect of any social group, but particularly an ethnic group’s identity (Giles & Johnson, 1981).

DOI:
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How to cite:
Su-Hie Ting. (2007). Influence of Ethnicity and Hierarchical Status on Language Choice in a Multilingual Organisation in Sarawak. The Sarawak Museum Journal, LXIV (85): 221-250

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