STUDYING
IN BM JUST AS GOOD!
I
COULD not agree more with Prof Datuk Ir Dr Wan Ramli Wan Daud on his take
regarding the English language, “English not only language of science’’ (The
Star, Feb 22).
He
was spot on in his argument that “There is no evidence whatsoever that English
proficiency is increased if English is used to teach science and mathematics.’’
It
all boils down to the attitude of our students when it comes to the English
language. The education system acts as a facilitator and not as the sole point where
one masters the language.
The
debate among many scholars, educationists and parents has been ongoing for many
years on whether the Government must emphasise more on the English language.
Having
had my education in Bahasa Malaysia/Melayu (BM) from the mid-1970s right up to
university in mid-1990s, I do not see how one could be less proficient just
because one was taught in BM.
All
the subjects, be it from arts or science were taught in BM, except for the
English Language.
During
our time we studied Physics, Chemistry, Biology and the various maths in BM
right up to Form Six. We even practised answering questions for the STPM exam
that were from the United Kingdom and in English without any problems.
Learning
of science and maths transcends any language as it involves reasoning,
analytical acumen and above all intrinsic motivation.
There
is just no logic to the argument that only if one is proficient in English can
one succeed in these two fields.
Take
the Chinese vernacular schools in the country. They teach maths and science in
Chinese, though basically it is the national syllabus. It is an open secret
that Chinese students fair better in these subjects.
No
doubt the English language plays a bigger role at the international level but
that does not imply that we will be left out just because our children study in
BM or any other language.
Language
is a communication tool or a means to acquire knowledge not a benchmark to
measure progress of society at large.
The
Japanese, Chinese and Koreans are way ahead in technology compared to Britain
or the United States where English is their mother tongue. How could that be
possible if English was the yardstick in technological advancement?
Just
observe the United Nations meetings. World leaders still use their own
languages proudly to address the assembly. Does that make them lesser leaders?
In fact, even our leaders should be encouraged to use BM during such meetings.
It
is a fallacy to assume that Westerners, especially English speaking natives,
have an excellent grasp of the language. I know this from having worked with
them.
Empowering
a student to gain knowledge must be carried out in a holistic manner. There are
various co-factors that work synergistically and the English language is just a
component.
The
main problem these days lies with the students who generally lack interest in
reading non-examination materials. The culture of reading is far more important
to enhance language skills, be it English or any other language.
It
is common to see how youngsters truncate and mutilate the language especially
when writing on social media platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram and
even SMS.
They
think it is cool to do so but unfortunately they get carried away using such writing
skills even in their exams.
Who
do you blame then? The teachers, parents, sophisticated “smart’’ gadgets or the
entire education system for their bad English.
Let’s
not be hypocrites and berate education policy makers just for the sake of it on
unfounded evidence that we as a nation and our children will be left out of the
race if we do not make English a priority.
Master
the language as a subject first and see how at ease one can be in mastering
other fields on your own initiative.
In
the past parents never made a big deal when we studied in BM. Yet our time has
seen great achievements and advances.
I
am proud to have a degree in BM and studied everything in BM, except English as
a subject. It never made me smaller in the eyes of the world.
NARINDER
PAL SINGH
Shah
Alam
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"Dual Language Programme" (DLP) telah mula dilaksanakan di ratusan buah sekolah kebangsaan 'terpilih' pada tahun ini.
Apakah yang dimaksudkan dengan "Dual Language" itu?
Benarkah pendekatannya dapat meningkatkan kemahiran dalam Bahasa Inggeris?
Adakah Bahasa Inggeris dapat menjamin semua pelajar menjiwai ilmu berkaitan sains dan teknologi?
Mengapa ia mendapat tentangan hebat di kalangan para ilmuwan dan budayawan negara?
Dalami hujah mereka dengan membaca buku "Kami Bantah DLP", yang boleh diperolehi di sini:-
1. Versi PDF (Percuma): http://pdfsr.com/pdf/kami-bantah-dlp;
2. Versi E-Book (Percuma): http://pts.com.my/ebook/kami-bantah-dlp/;
3. Versi cetakan (RM10 + kos pos) - hubungi kami di FB, atau Whatsapp: 019-3858301.
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Mohon sebar luas dan viralkan:
1. Page Facebook:
“Gerakan Mansuh PPSMI - GMP #Bantah DLP”:
dan
2. Blog:
“Gerakan #BantahDLP”:
Terima kasih.
.
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