Maya Khemlani David
This article examines the relationship between reduced use and nonuse of an ethnic language and its effect on the cultural and ethnic identity of a minority ethnic group, the Sindhis of Malaysia. The Sindhis originate from Sind, which is today pari of Pakistan. The research also investigates the links between the newfirst language and the Community's cultural norms.
The methodology used invohes participant observation, recordings, and a 73-item questionnaire. Malaysian Sindhis do not appear to needa languagebased identity. Their identity is based on their religion, customs and culture, kinship and social lies, dense and multiplex networks, and awareness of a persecuted past. The salience of language and ethnicity are not dependent on each o t her for the Sindhis of Malaysia.