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of songs in their classes. They agree that songs have positive effects in increasing students’ motivation and
interest. Music has been found to have positive effects on children in the classroom (Adjepong (2020);
Ariffin, Hashim, Siraj & Razalli (2019); Dinçel (2017); Kurniawan (2021); Mugaya (2022); Rahim (2014);
Shehadeh & Farrah (2016); Uge, Neolaka & Yasin (2019)). Adjepong (2020) mentioned that music is
important to children’s growth and development. Teachers were said to have very positive opinions of
music being essential, especially in terms of children’s learning, social skills, and motivation to study.
Mugaya (2022) supported these findings by mentioning that music can also enhance children’s physical,
social, emotional, language, and intellectual development; and motivate children to be attentive,
participate in class, and interact with others. Ariffin, Hashim, Siraj, and Razalli (2019) who looked at the
suitability of the model of activities using traditional Malay children’s songs in raising the children’s
creative imagination concluded that most of the experts agree that the use of the model on activities using
traditional Malay children’s songs was useful to enhance the children’s creativity. With all these being seen,
this study intends to investigate if Malaysian adults’ choices to play Malay and non-Malay children’s songs
are to impart local wisdom and if the reasons for use are the same despite the difference in their level of
education as well as their income.

Methodology

A mixed-method survey with convenience sampling was used through the distribution of a Google
Form and a total of 89 responses from Malaysian adults was obtained. The responses obtained were then
analysed using thematic analysis where the patterns or themes within the data were examined and the
reasons for the use of traditional Malay, modern Malay, and non-Malay children’s songs according to their
level of education and income groups were identified and organized. Throughout the analysis, the
researchers ensured that the extraction and interpretation of findings were based on the raw data.
Through recording, organizing, and disclosing the methods of analysis, thematic analysis helps in ensuring
that the research in a consistent and precise manner (Nowell et al., 2017).

Findings

Table 1
Demographic of respondents.

Ethnicity Number

Chinese 1

Indian 2

Malay 84
Others 2

Total 89

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