essay

If there were no Malays, who would the Semai be?

pluralism in malaysia: myth and reality (7) • Published In 1975 • Pages: 50-64

By: Dentan, Robert Knox.

Abstract
The central consideration of this source is ”how Semai come to include some of their fellows as sen'oi hii' (“we people”) and to exclude others as mai (“they”)” (p. 50). In analyzing this question the author makes reference to the Semai grammar and counting systems and contends that a tripartite classification underlying these systems also underlies Semai world view and notions of ethnicity. The author concludes that Semai notions of “we people” are describable as a three-tiered extension of ego's self identity.
Subjects
Identification
Behavior processes and personality
Population
Composition of population
Acculturation and culture contact
Cultural identity and pride
Settlement patterns
Interpersonal relations
Kin relationships
Behavior toward non-relatives
culture
Semai
HRAF PubDate
2012
Region
Asia
Sub Region
Southeast Asia
Document Type
essay
Evaluation
Creator Type
Ethnologist
Document Rating
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Gerald Reid; 1989
Field Date
1962-1963
Coverage Date
1962-1963
Coverage Place
Perak and Pahang, Malaysia
Notes
Robert Knox Dentan
Includes bibliographical references (p. 62-64)
LCCN
76366575
LCSH
Senoi (Southeast Asian people)