Sustainability of Punjabi language among Sikh youth: A Malaysian perspective

Abstract

ABSTRACT Fishman's (1972) domain analysis was used to investigate the sustainability of Punjabi language among Malaysian Sikh youth in their home domain. Data were collected through survey questionnaire. The main finding indicates a shift in language choice and use according to the type of relationship with interlocutors. Punjabi is the most preferred language for communication with grandparents and parents while English is the choice with siblings. The outcome presents a threat of dominant local languages, namely Malay and English for Punjabi among Sikh youth. This calls for necessary actions to sustain the use of Punjabi in the home and religious domains.