Generation Z’s Perceptions of The Malay Language in The Industrial Revolution 4.0 Era: A Sociocognitive Analysis

Abstract

Industrial Revolution 4.0 (IR 4.0) which emphasizes on Science and Technology  and the need to master these fields in English is seen to have an impact on the perceptions of Generation Z (Gen Z) towards Malay language. Therefore, this study aims to identify and analyse the levels of perception towards Malay language among Generation Z, who are born and grew up in this era. Data was obtained from 660 respondents through a survey conducted through Google Form. The respondents consisted of the Generation Z throughout Malaysia who received invitations based on the set criteria, including urban, suburban and rural groups. The research instrument developed specifically for this study has a high level of validity and reliability, which is α = .75 to α = .91. Data were analyzed descriptively and inferentially using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 25.0. This study utilizes Sociocognitive Theory and the sociocognitive approach to describe the relationship between social background and the levels of perception of the Malay language among Gen Z. In general, this study found that only 14.0% of Gen Z have a positive perception and 13.0% have a highly positive perception of the Malay language. While 56.0% of Gen Z in this study had a negative perception and 17.0% had a highly negative perception of the Malay language.