LANGUAGE CHOICE AMONG FOREIGN WORKERS IN TAMAN PELANGI, PRAI, PENANG

Malaysia is a country that is experiencing economic growth and causing the influx of foreign workers to this country to increase. The arrival of these foreign workers has existed since the colonial era. The influx of foreign workers into the country causes them to learn the language and culture of the people here. Language which is a communication tool for humans to connect with each other. Malay language is the national language of the country also need to be understood and spoken by migrant workers so that they can communicate with the locals to do their daily activities. Therefore, a study on language choice among these foreign workers was conducted. The objective of this study is to identify language choice among foreign workers and the factors that influence the language choice. In addition, this study also aimed to determine the frequency usage of Malay language among foreign workers according to domain. This study uses a mix of qualitative and quantitative research methods. For data collection, questionnaires, interviews and observations were used in this study. 80 questionnaires were distributed and 8 informants were selected among the respondents. The study found out that workers use Malay language in their lives except in their religious domain. They prefer to use their mother tongue when conducting religious activities. In conclusion, most of the foreign workers tend to use Malay language in their daily activities and it influenced by people who are speak Malay language around them.