Speaking Acehnese in Malaysia

This paper examines the use of Acehnese among Acehnese descendants living in Kampung Aceh (KA), in the district of Yan, Kedah, northwest of Peninsular Malaysia. The data were collected by interviewing 57 residents from different generations about their use of Acehnese, and how they identify themselves as a group, given that they were born and bred in Malaysia. The findings indicate that Acehnese is still used in KA, albeit decreasingly by the youngest generation. Nevertheless, the respondents who generally regard themselves as ureueng Aceh, consider Acehnese as an important aspect of their identity and their perceived ties with the Aceh province in Indonesia. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.