Resonating identity: a literature review of accent in Malaysian Chinese independent cinema

This study examines the relationship between accent and cultural identity in Malaysian Chinese independent films through a comprehensive literature review. Accent, as a cultural symbol, serves multiple functions in Malaysian Chinese independent films: it not only signifies identity but also acts as a key narrative tool for the director’s cultural expression. Through its unique phonetic features and linguistic variations, accent plays a crucial role in expressing both individual and collective identities, while also revealing cultural clashes and hybridizations within the contexts of migration, exile, and cross-cultural exchange. This paper analyzes the theoretical frameworks and research findings in existing literature, emphasizing the complexity of accents in film narratives, particularly their diversification and hybridization within Malaysian Chinese independent cinema. The paper further argues that accent functions not only as a tool of linguistic expression in these films but also as a significant strategy used by directors to reflect the multicultural and social realities of Malaysia. By synthesizing related studies, this paper offers a novel perspective and theoretical framework for future research on accent, identity, and cultural expression in Malaysian Chinese independent cinema.