The Path of Identity: Cultural Identity of the Malay Muslim Community in Ban Khuan Subdistrict, Satun Province

Abstract

This research article forms part of a qualitative study that aims to examine local cultural identity through social processes within the Malay Muslim community of Ban Khuan Subdistrict, Satun Province, Thailand. The study involved a sample of 40 participants and employed field-based methods, including in-depth interviews and participant observation, to explore everyday practices that indicate the maintenance of linguistic and cultural identity across five key dimensions: community history; religion and belief systems; traditions and rituals; language; and foodways. The findings indicate that, in general, members of the Malay Muslim community in Ban Khuan subdistrict continue to live according to traditional local customs and cultural practices. In terms of language use, the Satun Malay dialect is used more frequently than the Thai language within the community. Those aged over 40 tend to use the Satun Malay dialect more consistently and demonstrate greater awareness of the importance of preserving local linguistic identity. In contrast, individuals under 30 commonly use a mixture of the Satun Malay dialect and Thai, with Thai being used more frequently than the local Malay dialect. The study further reveals that activities aimed specifically at preserving linguistic identity remain relatively limited and lack clear planning. Conversely, Malay cultural and traditional activities continue to be widely practiced, within which the use of the Satun Malay dialect is embedded. Although the use of the Satun Malay dialect tends to decline among younger speakers, overall, most community members still prefer to use the Satun Malay dialect rather than Thai and remain committed to maintaining their linguistic identity. This persistence can be attributed to increasing community cohesion and the systematic organization of cultural activities, which reflect a collective intention to sustain the linguistic and cultural identity of the ethnic group over time.