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Article: To be or not to be ... the cultural identity of the Jawi (Thailand).
- Article from:
- Asian Folklore Studies
- Article date:
- June 1, 1999
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 1999 Asian Folklore Studies. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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A national unity can be achieved through a diversity of ethnic groups. No cultural group would submit to a process of integration that would eventually lead to the loss of its valued identity.
SURIN PITSUWAN, Islam and Malay Nationalism
At the southeastern extremity of peninsular Thailand there are four provinces whose inhabitants, about two million people, make up close to 4% Thailand s population. They are of Malay origin, follow the Muslim religion, and represent four-fifths of the Muslims of Thailand. They are the second-largest minority after the Chinese, and call themselves the "Jawi." These provinces are Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, and Satun. The ...