OFFSTONE JUNE EDITION 2024

47 THE IMPACT OF DIGITAL CULTURE ON THE USE OF PROPER MALAY LANGUAGE IN COMMUNICATION By: Dr. Rosninawati Hussin & Noor Fadilah Zakaria ninahussin@usim.edu.my The first author is a senior lecturer at USIM. She is attached to the Communication Program at the Faculty of Leadership and Management (FKP). She teaches many courses related to mass communication, including advertising and broadcasting courses. Her research interests are mass communication and media studies. ABSTRACT This article examines how well young people in Malaysia use the Malay language for daily communication and the impact of social media on their language skills. The study found that social media influences both the communication skills and Malay language proficiency of the younger generation in Malaysia. Introduction Communication and culture are closely connected and shape each other. This relationship is significant in anthropology, sociology, linguistics, and business. Language reflects communication both directly and indirectly. It is a primary means of communication and an essential component of culture. Different cultures possess distinct languages, dialects, and modes of speech that reflect their unique worldviews. The Sapir-Whorf hypothesis proposes that language shapes thought and perception, suggesting that linguistic communication can influence one's worldview. Malay Language in the Digital Era The Malay language has served as a lingua franca and primary mode of communication since the establishment of the Sultanate of Melaka in the 15th century. This is evidenced by its widespread use in trade and diplomatic relations historically. Malay is spoken by the Malay population in Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, and Singapore. Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra