LANGUAGE CHOICE AMONG YOUNG INDIAN PROFESSIONALS IN MALAYSIA FOCUSING ON TAMIL AND OTHER LANGUAGES

Abstract

In Malaysia’s multilingual society, language choice operates not merely as a means of communication but as a reflection of identity, social positioning, and cultural negotiation. This study investigates how young Indian professionals in Malaysia navigate their choices in the workplace, focusing on three languages: Tamil, English, and Malay. The research aims to uncover the factors influencing these choices and how they intersect with professional expectations, identity issues, and national belonging. Grounded in sociolinguistic theories, the study reveals that English is predominantly used in hierarchical and formal settings due to its association with status, fluency, and competence. Malay, on the other hand, is employed to foster rapport, ease of communication, and reflect civic integration. Tamil, though rarely used in professional contexts, retains symbolic and emotional value, particularly in interactions with older clients or for cultural expression. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of language behaviour, identity construction, and the subtle negotiations multilingual professionals engage in within Malaysia’s dynamic multicultural, multiethnic and multilingual workplace environments.