Title may sound big or very intellectual, but that's not what I am and want to achieve in this post. This post is more like an observation, nothing more.
Ok, so English is big in Malaysia, at least more so among non-Malays, and this is when they themselves do not speak this language on a daily basis, or do not posses the fluency of it. Never mind those factors, English *is* big in Malaysia. Trying telling a Chinese person, notably from Penang, or Indian fella, that his English sucks, and you get the picture.
The reasons for it being *big* in Malaysia differ accordingly, each to his own taste.
What I do not understand is why someone who could not speak the language very well, or do not know its culture, would set an English language song, mostly loud and blaring, as his ring tone. What I see is this: there is a discrepancy between selecting English-based products. Mostly, most people settle for pop and hip hop and R&B English songs, if they may be called that. On the other hand, good English values are not given a damn.
It is not a strange sight in this country to hear a loud ring tone in the type songs mentioned above, and to see the recipient answer the call and converse in dialect. I don't know if it is perverse, but I always have this strong urge to ask if he understands his ring tone.
Another funny observation of mine is this. Whenever people want to portray themselves as being cool and rock, they turn the volume in their car up high, and what's the song blaring? It is rather typical. Again, the strong urge throbs. Just one simple question: do you understand the song?
Could it be that there are no good Mandarin songs available that can put a person in the cool and rock light?
If the desperation is so overwhelming, play a tune with catchy and heavy bass lar. No need people to sing one, just let it 'thump thump thump' and you will be quite cool already ma.
*
English is the way to go, says Johor Ruler's consort
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is moving in the opposite direction compared with countries such as China and Indonesia that are fast catching up on becoming more proficient in the English language, said Raja Zarith Sofiah Almarhum Sultan Idris Shah (pic).
She spoke about the many youths who could not speak or write well in English.
“They are reluctant to participate in international conferences because they have no confidence in speaking up and writing reports in English,” said the Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim’s consort.
Delivering a royal lecture at the 19th Malaysian English Language Teaching Association (Melta) International Conference on Monday, Raja Zarith, who is the patron of Melta, said: “One way to boost students’ confidence in speaking in English is by asking them to do presentations regularly in front of the class.”
She also said that English could be used to communicate the message that Islam was a religion of peace.
“Post-9/11, there have been stereotypes and misconceptions about Muslims and Islam. With good English, we can tell the world that Malaysian Muslims do not prescribe to the doctrine of terrorism.”
Raja Zarith also paid tribute to the teachers for their efforts in moulding young minds and contributing to the country’s development.
“Nevertheless, education is always dynamic. Teachers need to be aware of the latest happenings in order to keep up with the students nowadays,” she added.
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/6/9/nation/6421373&sec=nation
3 comments:
Only at US, I found how different it can be for a native English speaker to talk to another native English speaker and a non-native English speaker.
It has nothing to do with the understanding of the language, I guess. :)
cool way of expressing ur thoughts
Most ppl don't really know who they are...They care nothing but their own feelings..
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