Malaysian Siamese Community
The Malaysian Siamese Community in Northern Malaysia
Introduction
Malaysian Siamese community is found in northern part of Malaysia. They are one of the minority groups that livings as part of Bumiputera like Malays, Kadazan-Dusuns, Iban and Malaccan Portuguese. They have adopted with the culture and traditions in Malaysia. The Siamese community that can be found in northern states of Malaysia is Kedah Kelantan, Terengganu and Perlis. Kedah and Kelantan is well-known with the boarder area to Thailand. The Siamese peoples are mostly Buddhist and some are Muslim.
The language that they use in their daily life is mostly the same dialect with the Malays but they also do speak Thai language among their communities. Malaysia Government have gave their support to the Siamese in Malaysia as they will be treat as equal as the other Bumiputera. Although they live in Malaysia they are still practicing the same practice and religion as the Siamese in Thailand. One of the celebrations that they celebrate is Lai Khatong. Although the celebration is celebrates thoughout the Thailand and certain parts of Laos and Burma, Malaysian Siamese still maintain their culture in Malaysia every full moon on the 12th month based on Thai-lunar calendar.
This report is about the Siamese community, we gather the information about their history and culture, and focus on the official policies that promoting the Siamese community. On one hand, we look at the aspect of bilingualism and language maintenance of the Siamese community. On the other hand, we focus on how politico-economic changes have affected people’s attitude towards bilingualism.
History, Language and Culture
History of Malaysia plays important roles in the existent of the Siamese people. In 1826 the Siam ended the agreement with East India Company, the essential clause of which provided for non-interference by Siam in Perak, Selangor, Kelantan, and Terengganu. The Siam threat of invasion in northern
Introduction
Malaysian Siamese community is found in northern part of Malaysia. They are one of the minority groups that livings as part of Bumiputera like Malays, Kadazan-Dusuns, Iban and Malaccan Portuguese. They have adopted with the culture and traditions in Malaysia. The Siamese community that can be found in northern states of Malaysia is Kedah Kelantan, Terengganu and Perlis. Kedah and Kelantan is well-known with the boarder area to Thailand. The Siamese peoples are mostly Buddhist and some are Muslim.
The language that they use in their daily life is mostly the same dialect with the Malays but they also do speak Thai language among their communities. Malaysia Government have gave their support to the Siamese in Malaysia as they will be treat as equal as the other Bumiputera. Although they live in Malaysia they are still practicing the same practice and religion as the Siamese in Thailand. One of the celebrations that they celebrate is Lai Khatong. Although the celebration is celebrates thoughout the Thailand and certain parts of Laos and Burma, Malaysian Siamese still maintain their culture in Malaysia every full moon on the 12th month based on Thai-lunar calendar.
This report is about the Siamese community, we gather the information about their history and culture, and focus on the official policies that promoting the Siamese community. On one hand, we look at the aspect of bilingualism and language maintenance of the Siamese community. On the other hand, we focus on how politico-economic changes have affected people’s attitude towards bilingualism.
History, Language and Culture
History of Malaysia plays important roles in the existent of the Siamese people. In 1826 the Siam ended the agreement with East India Company, the essential clause of which provided for non-interference by Siam in Perak, Selangor, Kelantan, and Terengganu. The Siam threat of invasion in northern