LANGUAGE IDENTITY CONSTRUCTS AMONGST ETHNIC BRUNEI MALAY TEENS IN MEMBAKUT, SABAH

This study aims to analyze the language identity constructs preferred by Brunei Malay ethnic teens based on one language identity model. This study was conducted at SMK Membakut (2) Beaufort, Sabah. The sample consisted of 56 Brunei Malay ethnic teens age 15 years. The survey method was conducted using a structured questionnaire consisting of 17 language identity constructs. In addition to frequency tables and Likert scales, descriptive statistics are used to calculate percentages, mean and standard deviation of each language identity construct. The language identity constructs consist of a sense of belonging, attitude toward the pronunciation, language and social status, use or exposure of B1, language knowledge, and script or alphabet. The results showed their sense of belonging to the standard Malay was stronger than the Brunei Malay language. But the pronunciation pattern which they desired tends to be the Brunei Malay language. Usage or exposure of the Brunei Malay language as L1 by the Brunei community in the district of Membakut, Sabah was still up-to-the-minute. Thus, the participants chose to get more knowledge of the Malay Brunei language, not the standard Malay. However, in everyday life, teens associated social status with standard Malay which was more prestigious. Therefore, they chose to use standard Malay script or alphabet when sending text messages and e-mail. The pervasive use of Brunei Malay in low variety domains able them to maintain their identity and the continuity of Brunei culture despite government recommendations to assimilate and acculturation.