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Language retention and socio-interaction patterns in intra-caste communication in the Singapore Chettiar community
Author
Deivanai Vellayappan
Supervisor
Omoniyi, Tope
Abstract
The present Nattukottai Chettiar community in Singapore with a population of about three hundred families in not only a relatively recent immigrant group but a relatively young one too. With the aim of investigating the phenomena of language retention within this ethnic and linguistic minority, a questionnaire was designed to collect data on socio-economic background, language proficiency, pattern of language use in the religious and family domain, ethnolinguistic vitality and contact with India from a sample of forty Nattukottai Chettiar in Singapore. The results provide a profile of an affluent and educated tightly bound community which is bilingual in Tamil and English. Tamil is apparently the predominant language for intra-caste interaction in both the Religious and Family domain. The disparity between inter-ethnic and intra-ethnic communication is most pronounced in the choice of English as the preferred language in discourse with non-chettiar Tamils. Hence one can conclude that the ethnic identity of the interlocutor is a significant factor influencing the choice between Tamil and English. Follow up interviews and observation studies indicate that attitude to Tamil is highly favorable.
Signs of incipient shift do exist but only among the younger members of the community who are second or third generation Singaporeans. Proficiency in English is increasing among this group. Wide use of both English and Tamil is reported by this group in interaction with members from within this age group. It is significant that while code-switching from Tamil to English happens spontaneously and frequently among Singaporean. Chettiar youngsters in interaction with peers, recent arrivals from India and first generation youths tend to use more Tamil and code-switch from Tamil to English less often and more out of an obligation to do so rather than voluntarily when interacting with their local counterparts.
This incipient shift, though a reality, need not be regarded as a threat to the retention of Tamil among the Chettiars in the near future for other factors, namely the strong ties with the homeland and the perpetual influx of Indian Chettiars into the Singapore Chettiar community act as counteracting forces to hold the shift in check.
Signs of incipient shift do exist but only among the younger members of the community who are second or third generation Singaporeans. Proficiency in English is increasing among this group. Wide use of both English and Tamil is reported by this group in interaction with members from within this age group. It is significant that while code-switching from Tamil to English happens spontaneously and frequently among Singaporean. Chettiar youngsters in interaction with peers, recent arrivals from India and first generation youths tend to use more Tamil and code-switch from Tamil to English less often and more out of an obligation to do so rather than voluntarily when interacting with their local counterparts.
This incipient shift, though a reality, need not be regarded as a threat to the retention of Tamil among the Chettiars in the near future for other factors, namely the strong ties with the homeland and the perpetual influx of Indian Chettiars into the Singapore Chettiar community act as counteracting forces to hold the shift in check.
Date Issued
1996
Call Number
P40.5.L35 Dei
Date Submitted
1996