Why Language is Important?
Why Language is Important?
by Ms. Florina Ramlee
by Ms. Florina Ramlee
It is a norm for students these days to think of Malay and English only when exams are approaching.
It is a norm for students these days to think of Malay and English only when exams are approaching.
Some even ask me, "Why must we study English? We already speak it at home." Or, "I do not really speak Malay, teacher. I just speak English."
Some even ask me, "Why must we study English? We already speak it at home." Or, "I do not really speak Malay, teacher. I just speak English."
But let me share a reality with you, language is not just a subject that we study at school, it's part of who we are, and especially as Malaysians we need to uphold our national language. And when it comes to English, they must realise that this language will open doors to the reality of the outside world where you have to interact with people from different parts of the world. It is the main language of communication.
But let me share a reality with you, language is not just a subject that we study at school, it's part of who we are, and especially as Malaysians we need to uphold our national language. And when it comes to English, they must realise that this language will open doors to the reality of the outside world where you have to interact with people from different parts of the world. It is the main language of communication.
"Our identity as Malaysians"
"Our identity as Malaysians"
As mentioned, the Malay language is significant. It is our national language that helps us stay connected to our history, culture, and shows our identity as Malaysians. It allows us to communicate with our elders, read folk stories, and celebrate holidays like Merdeka and Hari Raya. However, the sad truth is, despite being born and raised in Malaysia, many of our children are unable to speak basic Malay correctly. This is actually quite scary because we gradually lose our identity as well as our language.
As mentioned, the Malay language is significant. It is our national language that helps us stay connected to our history, culture, and shows our identity as Malaysians. It allows us to communicate with our elders, read folk stories, and celebrate holidays like Merdeka and Hari Raya. However, the sad truth is, despite being born and raised in Malaysia, many of our children are unable to speak basic Malay correctly. This is actually quite scary because we gradually lose our identity as well as our language.
"Language opens doors"
"Language opens doors"
Students must understand that English is a global language - the internet language, business language, science language, and Hollywood language. By being equipped with the language, we are able to travel overseas, study overseas, or even just watch Netflix movies without subtitles. Being proficient in the language also gets us more opportunities. We are open to wider job opportunities, more networking, and have higher self-confidence to speak English publicly.
Students must understand that English is a global language - the internet language, business language, science language, and Hollywood language. By being equipped with the language, we are able to travel overseas, study overseas, or even just watch Netflix movies without subtitles. Being proficient in the language also gets us more opportunities. We are open to wider job opportunities, more networking, and have higher self-confidence to speak English publicly.
Having said that, this does not imply that we must disregard the other and give priority to the first. Both of them are significant. Speaking the English and Malay languages is a huge advantage. We can use English as the link that connects us to the outside world and Malay as the anchor that keeps us firmly rooted in our heritage. Imagine being able to switch between these two languages with ease when you walk into an interview. In fact, that is something to be proud of.
Having said that, this does not imply that we must disregard the other and give priority to the first. Both of them are significant. Speaking the English and Malay languages is a huge advantage. We can use English as the link that connects us to the outside world and Malay as the anchor that keeps us firmly rooted in our heritage. Imagine being able to switch between these two languages with ease when you walk into an interview. In fact, that is something to be proud of.
Learning languages also makes us smarter. It helps us to think better, remember more things, and solve problems. It’s like going to the gym, but for our brains. And honestly, when we’re good at languages, we’ll feel more confident in school and in life.
Learning languages also makes us smarter. It helps us to think better, remember more things, and solve problems. It’s like going to the gym, but for our brains. And honestly, when we’re good at languages, we’ll feel more confident in school and in life.
"A reminder for us all"
"A reminder for us all"
To all parents out there, we must encourage our kids to learn both languages. Don't let them neglect our national Malay language, even if they go to an international school or speak English at home. And to students, trust me, one day you will thank yourself for learning languages properly. You will realise in college, while you're working, or even when you are overseas, how powerful it is to be able to speak our own language and English fluently.
To all parents out there, we must encourage our kids to learn both languages. Don't let them neglect our national Malay language, even if they go to an international school or speak English at home. And to students, trust me, one day you will thank yourself for learning languages properly. You will realise in college, while you're working, or even when you are overseas, how powerful it is to be able to speak our own language and English fluently.
So wait no more, start today. Practice every day. Read. Talk more. Watch films with subtitles. Ask questions in class. Use the two languages with pride. It's not just about passing exams. It's about being proud of ourselves and being ready for the future.
So wait no more, start today. Practice every day. Read. Talk more. Watch films with subtitles. Ask questions in class. Use the two languages with pride. It's not just about passing exams. It's about being proud of ourselves and being ready for the future.
Language: it is about who we are
Language: it is about who we are