Overview

Original Research

COMMODITIES AND CULTURES: THE DIFFUSION OF MALAY IN EAST INDONESIA

JAMES T. COLLINS 1, and CHONG SHIN 2.

Vol 17, No 08 ( 2022 )   |  DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6983976   |   Author Affiliation: PhD, Distinguished Professor, Institute of Ethnic Studies, National University of Malaysia, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia 1; PhD, Associate Professor, Institute of the Malay World and Civilization, National University of Malaysia, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia 2.   |   Licensing: CC 4.0   |   Pg no: 611-623   |   To cite: JAMES T. COLLINS, and CHONG SHIN. (2022). COMMODITIES AND CULTURES: THE DIFFUSION OF MALAY IN EAST INDONESIA. 17(08), 611–623. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.6983976   |   Published on: 12-08-2022

Abstract

The trading network of eastern Indonesia extends from the prehistoric era through the early modern period. The emergence of the Malay language is a key component in that network. Indeed, the importance of linking cultural diffusion to international commodity markets is clear. The dispersal of the Malay language was not the spinoff of a diaspora phenomenon. It was the realization that Malay could be used for diverse purposes that accelerated the spread of Malay. Just as commodities and people travelled through the maritime routes of Indonesia, the Malay language and the idea of language and power moved at incredible speed.

Keywords

Commodities, Malay, East Indonesia, Cultural Diffusion