Knowledge and Understanding of Malay Symbols in Indonesia: Survey Method

This article aimed to find out quality of knowledge and understanding of Malay symbols. Data of this study are important for educators when they educate their students Malay symbols, especially in University of Riau. A survey involving 870 samples was carried out. The data were presented in descriptive statistics and inferential statistics focusing on respondent characteristics and Malay symbols on games, food and drink, clothing, and ornaments. The research findings revealed that the mean score of knowledge and understanding of the game aspect was 4.34 and the understanding of the meaning of symbols was 4.49. Both of the scores belonged to the very high category. In the aspect of food and drink, the mean of knowledge of the symbols was 3.81 and the understanding of the meaning of symbols was 3.87. Both scores belonged to the high category. In the clothing aspect, the mean of knowledge of Malay symbols was 4.07 and the understanding of the meaning of the symbol was 4.04 which both scores belonged to the very high category. Dealing with the aspect of ornament, the mean of knowledge of Malay symbols was 3.96 and the understanding of the meaning of the symbols was 3.87. Both of the scores belonged to the high category. In general, the mean of knowledge of the Malays symbols was 4.045 (very high) and that of understanding the symbols was 4.065 (very high). The category of knowledge of Malay symbols by University of Riau students belonged to the very high category. In addition, the findings revealed that there was no significant difference between recognizing Malay symbols and understanding of Malay symbols in terms of gender, education level, and religion. However, there was a significant difference in recognizing Malay symbols and understanding of the symbols of the Malay tradition in terms of ethnics.