Cultural Diversity

Credit to : prudentpress.com

          Cultural diversity is the quality of diverse or different culture. The phrase cultural diversity can also refer to having different cultural respect each other's different. It also sometimes means the variety human societies or cultural in a specific region or in the world as a whole. There are many different type of culture in this world and to simplify the term its has been called ethnics. different ethnics have different way of life, culture, religion and many other thing. Today, our group have chosen Malay ethnics for this entry. Although Malay is common in Malaysia, but here some simple story about our culture, ways of life and religion.

Credit to : mikeru-mouse.blogspot.com

     The Malay makeup the majority of the Malay people in not only in Malaysia but also Brunei and Singapore. In Malaysia, people are classified as Malay by the federal constitution if they speak their national language that is Bahasa Malayu, practice Malay customs, and are the followers of Islam. The Malay find much pride in their cultural heritage and place great emphasis on family and community dependence. Titles, such as Pak Long (eldest uncle) are used as terms of endearment to acknowledge hierarchical position.

      The Malay are seen in many levels of society. There are urban Malay who are well educated and hold white collar or government positions, and there are rural Malay who may or may not pursue higher learning and typically occupy jobs such as farming, trading, and fishing. While rural Malay men often wear traditional dress such as a cloth  wrap-around skirt, urban Malay men tend to blend into a western setting with their blue jeans, cell phones, and Polo shirts.

Credit to: jungrara.blogspot.com

     
 While many Malay are now building modern homes, there are still numerous traditional homes within the kampung or village in which Malay people reside. Traditional homes are large in order to have sufficient space for the extended family as custom allows for many generations to reside under one roof. Although the Malay society has undergone a number of social and political changes through education and urbanization, their value orientation is still very much influenced by community. The Malay are a very social people and dependence upon community is considered normal and healthy. Often families will live within close proximity to one another so that help from relatives is easily attained. Kenduri (or party) is a social occasion for an entire community. The Malay women will assist to the hosting home with the cooking and preparations.

Credit to:  mrgrayhistory.wikispaces.com

       
      Islam was brought to Malaysia by Arabic and Indian traders many centuries ago, and the Malay people have come to embrace and ardently follow the Islamic faith. All Malay people are considered Islamic though levels of devotion to the religion are varied. Even those who half-heartedly follow Islam participate in the fasting month, and the Malay people of affluence will go on the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once if not many times during their lifetime.

        The Malay have early roots in Hinduism and traces of this can still be seen in certain aspects of their culture such as weddings. For instance, the bride and groom will paint their hands with henna and will sit upon a platform for hours for the guests to admire.

        Another divergence from Islam is the use of a bomoh (witchdoctor). Although Islam forbids the use of such a person, many Malay of Peninsular Malaysia will seek the services of a bomoh when they are experiencing a difficult situation or when they need some "magic." Also, they use bomohs for honorable or ignoble purposes. Furthermore, they consult bomohs in order to receive a blessing or a cure; or, on the other hand, in order to curse someone or get revenge.

        While the Malay place great emphasis on family, it is ironic that one of their greatest needs lies in the breakdown of the family unit. Divorce and youth issues are challenges facing the Malay family. During turbulent times, pray that peace can reign among the Malay and their families. Much opportunity exists for young entrepreneurial Malay students through Malaysian education, sports and business.

Credit to:www.humanrightspartymalaysia.com 

        
      In the end of the day, Malay culture is so unique and there no other like it in this world. the food is amazing, the culture is fantastic and even the people is so polite and also achieve great success. Today, Malay people is recognize by the world.