English use as an identity marker among Malaysian undergraduates

摘要: The English language, a legacy of the British colonialists, has been indelibly woven into history Malaysia, and because its pervasive influence through role in education system, it is an important part identity construction those who have gone system. This paper reports on qualitative findings study investigating impact sociocultural young adult Malaysians. data were obtained from interviews conducted with 20 Malaysian undergraduates both public private universities. one languages their linguistic repertoire. demographic composition respondents reflects general cultural diversity Malaysia. will focus how use among these university students perceived as marker that enhances perception personal social status, may sometimes be used basis by members same ethnic community for “othering” them. concludes suggesting since competence basically form capital, move towards enhancing within policy strongly advocates multilingualism way developing more inclusive moderate identity.