Tuesday, July 14, 2009

The Never-ending Combat of Malay Language Versus English Language



It is back to the same old story again. Which language is better for teaching mathematics and science? Currently,it seemed that the government has decided to revert back to the previous language. This means that the current textbooks would be a huge pollution to the environment. and current students would be a huge misery again. The change to English language teaching of mathematics and science has been implemented for 6 years! Now, I also don't know why they suddenly wanted to change back to Malay Language. (Did parents protest? public pressure?)

During my days, everything was taught in Malay. Therefore, it was a lot easier for me to study. Now, I heard that primary students would have to study mathematics and science in both languages even though it was changed to English Language teaching. In this case, they would have to sit 4 papers for science and mathematics. This situation is mainly due to the improper planning by certain parties. Well, when you change everything to English, just use English. Using dual-language examination paper most probably would not help the implementation!

Now, when most students were familiarized with English as the teaching language, they want to use back Malay Language. I think that students' abilities to adapt are stronger than we thought. However, the ever-changing of languages in teaching would affect their results adversely. Students need time to learn new knowledge. Reverting back to the previous language would imply that students need more time to learn the same knowledge, but in different language. Isn't this a bit irrational?

Even though I am educated in Malay Language for Science and Mathematics, I would support the use of English Language as the teaching medium. Reasons? Firstly, anyone who goes to/ went to colleges and universities would know that English is the main teaching medium (No more Malay Language in Science and Mathematics). Therefore, instead of using Malay Language as teaching medium, English language would be a wiser choice to prepare students for their undergraduates time!

We also have to understand that learning science and mathematics in Malay Language is not a definite sign of patriotism. To love our country, we have to learn the history by heart and to appreciate Malay Language sincerely. Even though I have not been writing in Malay Language for ages, I still remember it deeply (thanks to Puan Ooi^^).

Negaraku, tanah tumpahnya darahku,
Rakyat hidup, bersatu dan maju,
Rahmat bahagia, Tuhan kurniakan,
Raja kita, selamat bertahkta.
Rahmat bahagia, Tuhan kurniakan,
Raja kita, selamat bertahkta.


P.S: Dr. Mahathir has set up a poll here! English Language or Malay Language? You Decide!










9 comments:

nadz ruslan said...

i particularly agree about teaching math and science in english as i found it difficult to catch up in matriculation. back then i was just like to have start it all over again. different terms, etc...

I AM A BLOGGER said...

tat's why. You wud hv to learn everything again and again...really a waste of time..

thanks for the comment^^

Borneo Falcon said...

English is definitely the way. After SPM, I had a few hard years to adopt maths, physics, chemistry and engineering at college and university

I AM A BLOGGER said...

Me 2! And uni and colleges hv no mercy. We are required to learn everything in a sem, nt a year. If you fail means u fail><

Anonymous said...

jiati jiat jiat jay xinjiat xjion89

Calvin Lee said...

Hopefully current and future students have strong adaptability to become white rats of "M government".

I AM A BLOGGER said...

[anonymous]
omg, my secret admirer...muz tell my sis abt this><

[superbearman89]
oh well, wat can they do? juz keep on protesting lah...haha^^

PaperGoat said...

I'd got some comments from my friend previously, he suggested that the government could actually teach Science and Maths in those kid's own mother tongue language during primary school, then only generalize the usage of English during secondary school, which is something that has to be applied to ALL high school students.

doshimaitri said...

I particularly believe that the children should be taught the maths and science in English language as it could help to improve their language well and to understand it very fast. Yes they should be start to learn it after some age so that it would allow them to first to know English well. Introduction of the other subjects should be one by one which would also create some new interest in the curiosity of the children. Hence English immersion would also be improved.