The Identification of Subject in Malay Sentence Structure

(Identifikasi Subjek dalam Struktur Ayat Bahasa Melayu)

Abstract

In Malay linguistics, the subject governs the meaning and function of a sentence. It defines the topic of a sentence and fulfils its syntactic requirement. In Malay language teaching and learning, the identification of subject within the framework of Malay grammar can be a complex and baffling matter for many students, particularly those in secondary and higher institutions. One of the reasons for this predicament is attributed to the integration of linguistic perspectives and approaches that are foreign to the structure and system of the Malay language. Befitting to the evolving nature of language development and contextual settings that govern these changes, the study of Malay grammar has gone through rapid transformation that facilitates the amalgamation of various theories, approaches and concepts. This paper aims to address the complexity surrounding the identification of subject in Malay sentences. A series of contrastive analyses using subtheories of logic and syntax was utilized to look at how structures with overlapping subjects, particularly those using the enclitic -nya-, assign their subject. The findings have shown that while most identification of subject in Malay sentences can be elaborated using frameworks of logic and syntax, some can be further explored in future research. At the same time, the use of contrastive analysis has proven to be useful in elucidating this matter and has the potential to be used as a pedagogical tool in Malay language teaching and learning.