Zaleha Binti Miskon

711015-01-5688

The Importance of English Language in Malaysia

1.0 Introduction

In certain countries the problem of a common language is simple to resolve, because nearly all the pupils are of one race and speak one language. In Malaysia the problem is more difficult because so many more language are commonly spoken and the pupils are of different race. Article 152 of the federal constitution says: Until 1967 English will continve to br alternate official language and until then it must br used in all Parliament Bills and Acts. Similary, both Malay and English may be spoken in Parliament and the states Assemblies, but English remains the language of supreme Court until Parliament decides otherwise. It is necessary to give English its rightful place in The Malaysian Education because of itscommercial values and also because as an international language, for the present and future, it is the stepping stone to higher learning 1.1 Definition

English is known as the language of international communication. Conservative estimates put the total number of English speakers throughout the world at around 800 million. English is the mother tongue of an estimated 350 million people in the countries listed overleaf. In addition to these countries, English is an official language, or has special status, in over sixty countries worldwide. English has become the global lingua franca and emerged as the dominant language of todays world. English is the lingua franca among the middle class, especially in large towns and cities. Many people learn English so that they can communicate easily with their friends and neighbors. In Malaysia, many peoples feel that ability to speak English is a status symbol. It makes them feel better than those who can only speak their mother tongue. 1

Zaleha Binti Miskon

711015-01-5688

1.2

Historical Background

When Malay became independent in 1957 the first step of the newly-elected government was to seek unification of the three main racial groups. Malaysia has use the National Language as a means to bring out unity. However the standard in schools must not be sacrificed. Everyone realizes the importance of English as a second language. 2.0 2.1 The Importance of English Education

English is taught in all primary and secondary schools in Malaysia in keeping with its status as a second language in this country. It is a compulsory subject in the Malaysian school curriculum. Our government has been encouraging the use of English language and in fact, embarked some minor adjustments in the education system by introducing the use of English in the subjects of Science and Mathematics. At present, English is still taught for the purposes of higher education and the workplace. English has developed to become the language of knowledge. Proficiency in English opens the door to greater opportunities for further education, especially at tertiary level. It also enables peoples to gain access to the vast amount of literature and information in all fields of learning, especially Science and Technology. Such proficiency will also help them to read and listen to academic, professional and recreational materials and to speak in seminars and conferences.

Zaleha Binti Miskon

711015-01-5688

2.2

International Communications

English is the language of Information Communications Technology (ICT) as well as the language for establishing international relations in a borderless world. To enable Malaysian peoples to access information on the internet and other electronic media as well as to network with other peoples in other parts of other country and abroad it is important that they are proficient in the language. 2.3 Working World

Some people learn English because a good knowledge of English will enhance their chances of securing a good job and getting promotions. In the Malaysian working world, the English language has been rendered a great deal of prestige. Employers in both private and public sector institutions are always on the lookout for candidates who can converse fluently in English and can think critically in the language. Workplace literacy important to the average employer, as evidenced the recent surge of interest in in-service language related courses for every working level. Further more, vast amounts of knowledge available on information highways are recorded in English, the working world would be crippled without individual who can use the language effectively in resourcing information and ideas. 2.4 Trade

International trade too is predominantly conducted in English Contracts and agreements which form the bases of commercial relations, whether international or international, are almost exclusively written in English. English is also used extensively in many multilateral and bilateral meetings and negotiations.

Zaleha Binti Miskon

711015-01-5688

3.0

Suggestions and Recommendations

Parents are the most important person at home. They have to improve the usage of English Language. They can use English as their language of speaking at home so that their children can make use of the language can improve the speaking skills in English Language. Reading a lot of English materials is also another important thing because it can widen the students vocabulary in English. The wide knowledge of vocabulary can increase their mastery in English. Therefore the children have to be provided with varieties of English materials such as newspaper, magazines and comics. The students should practice speaking in English with their friends so that they will not be shy to speak in English whether in class or in front of the public. Parents also have improve their knowledge in English Language to help their children. Teachers are the important roles in school as the guidance to their students in increasing their mastery in English Language. The English Language teachers need to use varieties of techniques and methods while teaching English effectively. Electronic materials can be used to make the teaching process more effective and the students feel happy while learning English. Most of all, all of us have our own intent and paly our role to improve and increase the usage of English Language.

Zaleha Binti Miskon

711015-01-5688

4.0

Conclusion As a conclusion, we have to master the language so that we can develop our own

individual capacities to contribute towards Malaysias continued acceleration towards a developed country status by the year 2020 as envisioned by the government. Through better proficiency and mastery of English, we will also have citizens who can lead Malaysias development in the future, and ensure that our country can remain an important player on the global scene.

Zaleha Binti Miskon

711015-01-5688

5.0

References Book 1. Abdullah Hassan.(1994).Language Planning In Southeast Asia. Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka. 2. Nelson.G.(2001). English An Essential Grammar. Kuala Lumpur. Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka. Article/ Journal 1. Premavaty a/p N.Gurusamy.(2005). The Status of English-In-Use In Malaysia. Kuala Lumpur. Journal Bahagian Pendidikan Guru. Newspaper 1. Datuk Mustapa Mohammed.(2007). Our Students Just so shy and lose out. New Straits Times. Tuesday, February 6, 2007. 2. Gunaratnam. S. (2007). Coaching For Front-liners. New Straits Times, Tuesday, February 6, 2007. 3. Simrit Kaur, (2007). Accounting Star. The Star. Sunday, February 11, 2007. Magazines 1. English language Education and The Management of Change. Langkawi Project Galvanises nation 2020 Education. Nov/Dec 1995 Issue. Kildip Kaur, Faculty of Education Malaya. ( pg 24,25,26,27). Websites 1. Y.B.Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar. (2003). English: The Global Lingua Franca. Strategic Planning Division. Wisma Putra. Kuala Lumpur.(online)

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Available: http://www.simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/gov.