Cultural and linguistic identity of the Thesaban Takbai ethnic Malays of Southern Thailand: A phenomenological analysis

The construction of ethnic minority identity is often overshadowed by that of the majority. To let the minority get out of the shadow this study seeks to inquire into the type of language and cultural identity that the Thesaban Takbai, an ethnic Malay minority of Southern Thailand, desired to construct for themselves. The study used a phenomenological research paradigm that focused on understanding the Thesaban Takbai world view on ethnic identity . Ten informants of five men and five women, aged between 20 to 60 years and of varied occupational and educational backgrounds were selected to be interviewed in depth. The sampling utilized a non-probability, purposive and snowballing method. The findings revealed that the Thesaban Takbai ethnic Malays still wanted to maintain their Patani Malay culture in terms of personal dress and name. The informants’ views on language identity indicated that they were very tolerant and respectful of the official status accorded to the Thai language asthe country’s national language. Despite such attitude of tolerance on the minority’s part the findings do imply that the Thai government would do well to take into account the interests of the minority by not enforcing unto them a top-down policy of assimilation which may be construed and perceived as discriminatory.