Multilingual and multiethnic countries often encounter conflicts and language challenges in the linguistic landscape (Ben Said & Rubdy, 2015). This situation is not unusual for Malaysia where several languages are competing on-the-ground. Article 152(1) in the Constitution of Malaysia states explicitly that the national language of Malaysia is the Malay language. The National Language Act 1963-67 enforces the Malay language for official purposes but allow other languages to be used together. With respect to the state of Penang, the Advertisement by-Laws 2000 allows the Malay language to be advertised alongside other languages as long as the Malay language is emphasised and prioritised. Thus, it is understood that these policies enrich the holistic visibility of the Malay language in public spaces.
Based on these policies, this study investigates the language situation in the landscape of Penang by comparing the written laws against top-down and bottom-up signs. Data comprises photos of the landscape and interviews from official and grassroots parties. The analysis shows that the Penang Government supports and promotes all languages by taking a different approach from the Federal Government. A change in the landscape was observed since 2009 where there were many bilingual top-down signs in the city. As a consequence of the Penang Government’s friendly approach towards languages, many bottom-up signs were advertised without the national language. This situation showed that there was lack of enforcement by the Government. Nevertheless, most ethnic groups felt more secure with their status and identity from the take-up of this accommodating approach. This investigation contributes to the understanding of language policy and conflict issues in multilingual settings.
References
Ben Said, S., & Rubdy, R. (Eds.). (2015). Conflict, Exclusion, and Dissent in the Linguistic Landscape. London: Palgrave Macmillan.
Local Government Act, The Municipal Council of Penang Island (Advertisement) by-Laws 2000 (1976).
National Language Acts, Act 32, (1963-67).
The Constitution of Malaysia, Article 152 (2010).
