Constructing multiculturalism and national identity in Penang, Malaysia : A perspective from the 2020 Penang International Container Art Festival

Teresa Ong, Wai See and Ting, Su Hie (2023) Constructing multiculturalism and national identity in Penang, Malaysia : A perspective from the 2020 Penang International Container Art Festival. Sociolinguistics Studies, 17 (4). pp. 423-448. ISSN 1750-8657

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Abstract

This study focuses on examining how multiculturalism is constructed in public spaces in Penang, Malaysia. In doing so, we argue for the significance of murals in constructing multiculturalism symbolically. Data consist of 10 photos of murals displayed during the 2020 Penang International Container Art Festival in both urban and rural areas in Penang, a state with a long history of multiethnic communities living together. The analysis shows that multiculturalism is portrayed according to specific themes – occupation, living cul�ture, and imagination – which are marshalled to create a sense of identity and belonging. Such sense is deeply imbricated in the making process of Penang’s national identity in which a series of compromises and accommodations is much needed to achieve the vision of multiculturalism. The findings contribute to the current discussion of finding a balance between studies related to urban- and ruralscapes and offer a creative ociolin�guistic perspective on understanding multiculturalism.

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