Does the Possession of a Kadazandusun Traditional Costume and the Capability to Play a Traditional Musical Instrument Differentiate an Individual’s Identity Orientation?

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the differences between Kadazandusun participants who possessed and who do not possess a traditional Kadazandusun costume in regard to the four types of identity orientation (i.e. personal, relational, social & collective). These differences were also assessed between participants who were and were not able to play a traditional musical instrument. A total of 242 Kadazandusun participants were enrolled, and the study used a survey questionnaire with two sections. Section A included questions about the demographic profile (age, gender, ethnicity, possession of a traditional costume, ability to play a traditional musical instrument, and education level), while Section B measured the four types of identity orientation (i.e. personal, relational, social & collective). We hypothesized that participants who possessed a Kadazandusun traditional costume and those who could play a traditional musical instrument had higher relational and collective identity orientation. The study revealed that those who possessed a Kadazandusun traditional costume had higher relational, social, and collective selfidentity compared to those who did not own a costume. Further, those who could play a traditional musical instrument only showed higher on social identity orientation than those who could not play any traditional musical instrument. These findings showed that people's identity orientation may differ based such cultural elements (e.g., possession of a Kadazandusun traditional costume and ability to play a traditional musical instrument). These findings may provide an understanding of the importance of cultural elements in identity orientation, particularly for the indigenous group of Kadazandusuns in Sabah, Malaysia.