English makes a comeback in Malaysia

The English language, which for many years took a back seat in favor of Malay, is making a comeback in the former British colony, writes Anil Noel Netto for Inter Press Service.

PENANG, Malaysia: "Repeat after me: 'The girl have a basket'," says the teacher, pointing to the blackboard during an English lesson at a primary school on Penang island.

The pupils, unaware of the grammatical error, chant in unison in a scene, say academics, that could take place at any school across the Malaysian peninsula. Parents have even told of occasions when their children have corrected their teachers.

It is a sad reflection of the drop in standards of spoken and written English in this former British colony.

The decline began in the 1970s, when the government regarded the widespread use of English as a stark reminder of the humiliation of colonial rule. But with Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad now jetting around the globe promoting Malaysia as an economic powerhouse in an attempt to woo foreign investors, English is making a comeback.

Mahathir sees English proficiency as a vital tool to keep Malaysia abreast with the latest scientific and technological advances as the country bids to acquire "developed nation" status by 2020.

The language issue was first hotly debated in the years leading up to independence from Britain in 1957. The dominant United Malays National Organization (UMNO) was keen for the country's culture to be based on the heritage and language of the indigenous Malays. The non-Malays, however, sought a more multi- ethnic identity.

Ten years later, the issue was finally settled with the passing of the National Language Bill which made Malay the national language. But as a compromise to other ethnic groups, the use of English for official purposes was still allowed.

As such, while the post independence government of Tunku Abdul Rahman, Malaysia's first prime minister, sponsored the growth of national schools where the medium of instruction was Malay, it still allowed the existence of "national-type" schools, which were permitted to teach in a language other than Malay.

Extremist elements in UMNO however continued to press for Malay to be used every level of society, and after communal riots broke out in 1969 over a host of ethnic grievances following bitterly contested general elections, they got their way.

Tunku Abdul Rahman's resignation ushered in a new era in which the English language was increasingly sidelined from use in schools and official texts.

Whereas before 1970, teachers taught all subjects in English, it was not long after that all classes were taught in Malay and English, as a subject, was only taught for a few hours per week. A small band of English language teachers who tried to keep the subject on the curriculum were otherwise kept busy.

"There was no time to mark books or give children adequate written exercises," recalls Catherine Selvam, a former teacher. She said that teachers who were educated in Malay, were suddenly asked to teach English. The result was a disaster for the proper use of the language.

"Grammar was hardly taught. English language examinations were set using multiple choice 'objective' questions," said Selvam. "Free composition writing was not encouraged." She remembers how teachers who were not proficient in English were unable to encourage children to converse in the language. "The listening and speaking skills of children just dropped."

The transition to Malay in universities was complete by the mid 1980s, so that today, many graduates are unable to speak and write proper English. "The standard of English in universities has certainly deteriorated - in spoken and written skills," says Shakila Manan, a lecturer at the English language section of the Science University of Malaysia.

"University students have problems expressing themselves clearly and coherently in English, especially when writing essays," Shakila adds. "The problem is students have not cultivated the reading habit. I don't see teachers in schools recommending books in English for the students to read."

In the world's fast globalizing market, yesterday's political posturing has however given way to economic pragmatism. The well- traveled Mahathir has already moved to redress the drop in English language standards.

This year, Form Five students will need to demonstrate a higher level of proficiency in the English language examination paper. This type of examination is the equivalent of Ordinary or 'O' level examinations under the British system.

Indeed, many Malaysians of all ethnic backgrounds, are today clamoring to learn English at centers throughout the country although most university lectures are still conducted in Malay. Lecturers in technical subjects are however given the flexibility of conducting their classes in English. Foreign lecturers too may use the language in their classes.

This new official flexibility in the use of English will increase now that foreign universities have been allowed to open branch campuses in Malaysia. Though the government bureaucracy continues to use Malay in official text, the country's leading politicians -- many of whom were educated abroad -- speak fluent Malay and English.

In the private sector, English is the language of choice, mainly due to international trade. Many companies have gone as far as to organize Business English classes for their employees. Also, an increasing number of local television shows are produced in English. Three radio stations are already broadcasting nationally using English. The circulation of English language newspapers has also been rising.

Veteran academics lament that the quality of English language teachers at some schools is not what it was like during the 1950s and 1960s, but are confident that nationalism would never again see a more secure Malay population turn away from the language. It just would not make economic sense.

-- IPS