Chapter 9. Literature, Languages, Archives and Sources

Read locally and regionally. Scholarship from within Southeast Asia, often in national languages, may be missing from international databases. Search national journal portals, university repositories and regional indexes, and speak to local scholars. Regional resources include the ASEAN Citation Index, national citation systems in several countries and open-access journal directories [30][66].

Regional journals and institutions. Examples of widely used outlets include Journal of Southeast Asian Studies, Sojourn, Contemporary Southeast Asia, Southeast Asian Studies and many national journals. Research centres such as the ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute and the Asia Research Institute (National University of Singapore) offer libraries, programmes and networks.

Archives and libraries. Important sources include national archives and libraries in each country, colonial-era archives held in former colonial capitals (such as Dutch, British, French, Spanish, Portuguese and American collections), mission and company records, temple and mosque collections, private papers and oral-history collections. Many are being digitized. Access rules, opening hours, copying rules and language skills vary [33][34].

Languages. Language competence is a research skill. Learn at least basic phrases, and consider formal study if you will work in a language long term. Work with qualified translators and interpreters, and document their role. Be aware that many historical sources use older scripts and spelling conventions [57].

Statistical and official data. National statistics offices, central banks and ministries publish official data, and regional compilations are available from ASEAN and international bodies [29]. Check definitions, methods, revisions and political context; some data can be incomplete or contested.

Evaluating sources. Consider authorship, purpose, audience, method and bias. In contexts with limited press freedom, consider what might not be reported. Triangulate with multiple sources.

Citing and acknowledging local scholarship. Cite local-language and regional scholarship; avoid an unbalanced “citation politics” that privileges only international literature.

Managing references. Use reference-management software; record the location and language of each source.

Ethical use of archives and cultural materials. Some materials, such as sacred texts, restricted collections or community records, may have rules about access and reproduction. Respect restrictions and seek permission.

Reflection: List five sources from within the region, ideally in a local language, that you will consult.