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Dissertation Information for Carol L. Mitchell

NAME:
- Carol L. Mitchell

DEGREE:
- Ph.D.

DISCIPLINE:
- Library and Information Science

SCHOOL:
- University of Wisconsin, Madison (USA) (1993)

ADVISORS:
- Wayne A. Wiegand

COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
- Jane B. Robbins
- Ellen Rafferty
- Thongchai Winichakul
- James Krikelas

MPACT Status: Fully Complete

Title: Language as an instrument of national policy: The Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka of Malaysia

Abstract: During the Third Congress of Malay Language and Letters of 1956, the nascent Malaysian government announced the establishment of an agency devoted to the planning, development and dissemination of the Malay language and its literature. This agency, The Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka, has grown to become a large agency with influence over much of Malaysia's printed cultural production.

Using the concept of hegemony as developed by Antonio Gramsci, this research analyzes literary organizations, publishers, and libraries in relation to the Dewan and confirms its key role in the creation of a Malaysian national culture which is based on the printed Malay language. The initial chapter details the legal foundation and growth of the Dewan into a large and prominent statutory body within the Malaysian government. The history of literary organizations reveals them as key to the establishment and growth of the agency as a key literary institution. The importance of publishing to the development of the Malay language and its literature enabled the Dewan to grow into the nation's largest publisher. The private sector is increasingly supportive of national language publishing as indicated by its active role in the National Book Council.

Libraries are revealed as one of the cultural institutions involved in the development and dissemination of the printed national language, Bahasa Malaysia. Their development coincides with increased efforts to develop literary talent, publish Malay literary works, and ensure the dissemination of a state-approved Malay literary culture. The manipulation of these various cultural institutions by the Dewan indicates that a strong state-supported cultural hegemony exists in Malaysia.

This study is based on a range of primary sources that include official documents, newspapers, interviews, and records of the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka, the Malaysian Publishers Association, and literary groups.

MPACT Scores for Carol L. Mitchell

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calculated 2008-01-31 06:27:25

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