L’ethnicisation du regard par le tourisme : ethnographie d’un parc à thème ethnique en Malaisie (Sabah)

Abstract

After presenting the historical and tourism context of Sabah in Malaysia, this paper analyses the staging of ethnicity for tourists within Sabah Village. Depending on the socio-cultural profile of the tourists, the visit can be perceived as: a reinforcement of nationalist sentiment, a reinforcement of a sense of superiority and difference between 'us' and 'them', or as a visit that fosters a quest for exoticism and primitivism. These different types of visits are linked by the playfulness of the activities offered.

Keywords

• tourism
• ethnicity
• Malaysia
• theme park