Ethnicity and Ethnic Identity in Sarawak
Abstract
Ethnicity and ethnic identity are diffcult subjects and highly problematic. This paper is a modest attempt to discuss the problem of ethnicity and ethnic identity of the diverse ethnic groups in Sarawak. It begins by discussing the approaches in the study of ethnic group, ethnicity and identity, followed by a detailed discussion of the problematic of ethnic classification and ethnic identities of Sarawakians. It suggests that authority-defined identity, i.e., ethnic identity imposed by those in authority (such as through population census) upon a particular group need not necessarily correspond with the everyday-defined identity members of the group have of themselves. It argues that it is important to examine the subjective aspects of identity formations among ethnic groups since it is through their interactions identities are constructed, reconstructed and reinforced.
Key words: Sarawak, ethnicity, ethnic identity, culture
ABSTRAK
Etnisiti dan identiti etnik ialah perkara yang sukar dikaji dan amat bermasalah. Artikel ini ialah satu percubaan sederhana untuk membincangkan persoalan etnisiti dan identiti etnik di kalangan pelbagai kelompok etnik di Sarawak. Ia bermula dengan membincangkan pendekatan-pendekatan yang digunakan dalam kajian kelompok etnik, etnisiti dan identiti, disusuli oleh perbincangan terperinci mengenai permasalahan dalam klasifikasi dan identiti etnik di kalangan orang Sarawak. Penulis mengambil pendirian bahawa identiti takrifan penguasa, yakni identiti yang diberikan oleh pihak yang berkuasa (misalnya, melalui banci penduduk) kepada sesuatu kelompok etnik tidak semestinya selaras dengan identiti takrifan harian yang dibentuk sendiri oleh kelompok etnik berkenaan. Artikel ini menegaskan bahawa adalah penting untuk mengkaji aspek subjektif dalam pembentukan identiti di kalangan kelompok etnik kerana identiti mereka terbentuk, dibentuk semula dan diperteguhkan melalui interaksi sesama mereka.
Kata kunci: Sarawak, etnisiti, identiti etnik, budaya
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