Bridging cultures: a case study on the assimilation dynamics in mixed marriages between Malays and Non-Malays in Sarawak

This study employed qualitative research methods, including interviews and observations, to explore the cultural and linguistic practices of Dayak Muslim and Chinese Muslim converts in Sarawak, East Malaysia. The primary objective was to assess whether these Muslim converts had integrated with the Malay majority in Sarawak and how much they had preserved their distinct ethnic identities. According to Barry’s Model of Acculturation (1992), assimilation occurs when individuals adopt the cultural norms of a dominant or host culture, while integration happens when they adopt the host culture’s norms while retaining their cultural identity. To date, no research has investigated the types of assimilation in mixed marriages between Malays and non-Malays in Sarawak. Data were collected from Dayak Muslim and Chinese Muslim converts in Kuching, Serian, and Samarahan divisions, focusing on language use in family, workplace, and entertainment contexts. Additionally, the study examined other assimilation factors, such as eating habits, clothing, festival celebrations, and self-identity. The findings revealed that Chinese Muslim converts in Sarawak tended to preserve a stronger cultural vitality than Dayak Muslim converts. These two groups of converts exhibited varying levels of assimilation regarding the use of the local Malay language and the adoption of Malay/Muslim cultural practices. While Dayak Muslim converts seemed to lose a significant part of their cultural heritage upon conversion, Chinese Muslim converts maintained a positive outlook on their ethno-cultural and ethno-linguistic identities. This challenges the perception that converting to Islam inevitably leads to becoming Malay and losing other cultural aspects