BAHASA INTERAKSI DAN HUBUNGAN ANTARA ETNIK DALAM KALANGAN MURID DI BILIK DARJAH

This study explores the effectiveness of language in strengthening inter-ethnic relationships amongst pupils of different ethnic groups in classrooms. The sample consists of 1000 pupils selected from ten secondary schools in Kedah and Perak. A structured interview in the form of a questionnaire was used to gather data from the pupils studied. Crosstab statistics was used to explain the ethnic backgrounds of the respondents and the effectiveness of language used in strengthening pupils inter-ethnic interactions in classrooms. The findings show that native language is the main communicative language among pupils in classrooms. It strengthens intra-ethnic interactions but restrains inter-ethnic interactions. In addition, lack of fluency in the Malay language affects interaction patterns amongst pupils of different ethnic groups in classrooms.