Malay Ethnic Identities in “Pantai Ini Lautnya Dalam” by Abdul Razak Panaemalae

Abstract

        This paper aims to analyze the ‘Patani Malay’ ethnic identities depicted in the short stories compiled in the anthology of short stories and poems Pantai Ini Lautnya Dalam (So Deep Is This Sea) written by Abdul Razak Panaemalae. This study focuses on the theme of ethnic identities to see how the Patani Malays define themselves as ‘us’ and how they differentiate themselves from the majority Thais as ‘others’. This study is also to answer why the Patani Malays struggle to maintain their ethnic identities and how they preserve and pass their ethnic identity to the next generation. This study reveals that the Patani Malays identify themselves as “Melayu” or Malay based on their religion (Islam) and Malay language, an outstanding symbol of their Malay culture and race. Both Islam and Malay language are the main factors that make them differentiate ‘themselves’ from ‘the others’ (Thai Buddhists). By using Malay language in their Malay communities, this way the ‘Patani Malays’ can preserve and pass their ethnic identity to the next generation.