Abstract :
This paper attempts to provide some insights into the position ofMalay language (pronounce Basa Yawi) and its usage in the province of Southern Thailand. Issues of discussion include its history, the role it has played in shaping the identity, culture and civilization ofindigenous in the province and the challenges in present day in the face of Thai s national education policy which emphasis on national language, i.e. Thai language as vehicle to achieve unity in the nation. According to history, Southern Thailand, which consist ofPatani, Yala, Narathiwat and Satun were previously under the reign of Malay Sultanate (Sultan of Patani and Kedah). This explains why majority of the people in the province are Malays. Those provinces being part of Thailand in quite recent time —just after the Bangkok Treaty 1909 between Siam and British. Due to this fact, it is only natural for the minorities in such condition to protect and enhance their loyalty to their history, culture, customs and language as vehicle for theiridentity survival. Thispaperexplores thedilemma andtryto figure out a fair solution to these issues.
Keywords :
BasaYawi , challenges , Thailand s government , identity , survival.
