The use and maintenance of Baba Malay Language among The Peranakan in Melaka

Baba Malay has been listed as an endangered language and is now facing extinction due to the dominance of other languages such as Malay, English and Mandarin. The declining number of speakers, particularly among the younger generation, highlights the urgent need for preservation. This study investigates the current use of Baba Malay, examine speakers’ attitudes towards its endangerment and identifies measures for its preservation within the Peranakan community. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, integrating quantitative and qualitative data. Surveys and interviews were conducted with members of the Peranakan community across different generations. The research utilised the Fishman Domain, the Graded Intergenerational Disruption Scale (GIDS), the Expanded Graded Intergenerational Disruption Scale (EGIDS) and the UNESCO Nine Factors and to access language vitality and the degree of endangerment. Findings reveal that Baba Malay is primarily used in familial settings and rarely passed down to younger generations. Speaker attitudes towards the language are mixed, with older generations expressing concern over its decline, while the younger generations display limited awareness of its cultural significance. The language is classified as moribund with fewer than 1000 speakers, reflecting a critical stage of endangerment. Qualitative insights reveal a tension between cultural pride and the perception that Baba Malay lacks practical utility in modern life. Preservation strategies highlighted by the Peranakan community include awareness initiatives and government support to revive the language. These findings contribute to understanding how endangered languages can be preserved and highlight the cultural significance of maintaining Baba Malay as part of Malaysia’s diverse linguistic heritage