A semantic analysis of Malaysia’s patriotic songs

• Published in: Advanced Science Letters
• Main Author: Awang A.A.; Lokman A.M.; Fathir M.F.M.; Salleh S.M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: American Scientific Publishers 2016
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84985911922&doi=10.1166%2fasl.2016.6616&partnerID=40&md5=bf520ce0e75a1d91c0f9971040f4a203

The significance of patriotic songs has become one of the essences in promoting unity in many regions, especially in Malaysia. This study is conducted to examine the significance of words and lyrics consisted in patriotic songs in Najib Razak’s terms as the Prime Minister of Malaysia by employing a semantic analysis method. Throughout his two terms, the perception of the public has been shaped and changed rigorously through the means of entertainment, with an aim to unite and educate the public towards the nation’s vision and mission, particularly in regards to the concept of 1Malaysia. Thus, this study seeks to highlight the importance of lyrics and words used in patriotic songs—whether the messages, composed by songwriters—are accepted or rejected by the listeners. In addition, this study looks into the traits of psychology and the history of Malaysia in terms of songs to influence people’s hearts and minds, predominantly in Malaysia’s multiethnic society, in which it reflects public preferences of patriotic songs. Therefore, this study examines ten (10) songs that are thoroughly selected from the year 2008 until 2013 (within Najib Razak’s terms as prime minister), and simultaneously evaluating the acceptance of propagated agendas through patriotic songs. Finally, the results of this research can be used as a reference for songwriters to produce better, improved patriotic songs that could foster unity among multiethnic Malaysians. © 2016 American Scientific Publishers All rights reserved.