Embedding English in the learning of science

The teaching of Science in English was introduced to counter detriments of the Malaysian’s inability in keeping with the pace of developments in science and technology. The current Malaysian linguistic ecosystem is a result of historical events that eminently date back to pre independence dominance by foreign powers (the British). This dominance perpetuated the use of the English language for trade, government matters and education. A notable turn of events is the implementation of the 1963 National Language Act after independence which changed the character of language use in education.English as a medium of instruction was categorically replaced by the Malay language. However, a bilingual policy innovation is now a current feature in the Malaysian linguistic ecosystem. The emphasis given to English brings along a growing concern of the standard that needs to be achieved in the learning of science. Given this policy, the paper attempts to unfold the embedding of learning English through science by examining teacher attitude towards the teaching of science in English. Data is obtained from a critical analysis of a survey questionnaire and teacher interviews. Using the content analysis approach, the data is analyzed and categorized. Findings provide directions in on-going evaluations of a policy initiative which has generated much attention and discussion

The sociolinguistics of banking: language use in enhancing capacities and opportunities

The use of BM (the national language) and English offers economic profitability to private sector employees in Malaysia. Employers see BM-English bilingualism as an important tool for commercial development since it can open doors to new markets and provide for the country's visibility on the international scene (Rosli Talif and Ain Nadzimah 1998). However, a problem facing BM English bilingualism in Malaysia is the lack of agreement as to its purpose and aims. Even after considering the advantages associated with BM-English bilingualism and the contexts in which it is promoted, sustained and developed, many are concerned about its effects on the national language. The debate seems to be about whether promoting English as a tool of development would confine BM to the backwoods. The purpose of this study is to investigate the necessity and use of Bahasa Malaysia (BM) and English among executive-level employees in the banking industry. The industry was selected as it reflects a business that is global, multicultural and multilingual. A survey questionnaire and participant interviews were conducted involving the Central Bank, local and international banks in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Contexts of use for languages used in communication, oral and written, within the banking industry were identified

USING NATIONAL IDENTITY MEASURE AS AN INDICATOR OF MALAYSIAN NATIONAL IDENTITY

Conducting research about individuals’ feelings of belonging to a society comprising different social strata is of interest to researchers. National identity as a collective identity has gained salient attention in Malaysia because the country’s social structure is made up of different ethnic groups. To shed light on this topic, this study investigated national identity among undergraduate students of a public university in Malaysia. A survey questionnaire (the National Identity Measure or NIM) was utilized as the data collection instrument. Using a random proportional stratified sampling strategy, a total of 498 undergraduates studying in the University’s 15 different faculties were selected as respondents. The results of the study confirmed that, in a society that embraces various ethnic groups, a collective national identity can be measured.Keywords: Feeling of belonging, Malaysia, measurement, national identity, national identity measure.Cite as: Granhenat, M. & Abdullah, A.N. (2017). Using national identity measure as an indicator of Malaysian national identity. Journal of Nusantara Studies, 2(2), 214-223.  http://dx.doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol2iss2pp214-22

Norms of language choice and use in relation to listening and speaking: the realities of the practice in the Malaysian banking sector

Sociolinguists have pointed to the current linguistic development of the present era as being marked by a complex interplay of sociolinguistic concerns, among which are contradictions between global networks, local identities, (Barber, 1995; Castells, 2000), and also in norms in language choice and use. Economic and social globalization has created a strong demand for an international lingua franca, thus furthering English's presence as a global language (Crystal, 1997). However, local languages remain influential and exert a presence in a multilingual situation. This study attempts to relate the use of the global language to that of the local languages in the Malaysian banking sector which plays a dominant role as an economic powerhouse. Within this financial sector, the matrix of language as a medium of expression provides a setting for investigating situated norms of language choice and use among multilingual employees in the Malaysian banking sector. Data were collected via a survey questionnaire. Fishman's (1972) theoretical framework is adopted and extended to the workplace context in order to examine the intricacies of the norms of language choice and use in relation to specifically the listening and speaking skills. These two language skills have been prioritized by Malaysian employees as the most needed in the workplace (Abdullah et al., 2010). The study gives focus to these two skills and the specific domains of use to illustrate the competing patterns of language choice in a multilingual Malaysian workplace

Language choice and use of Malaysian Tamil Christian Youths: a survey

Language choice and use, which refers to the selection of language(s) for diverse purposes in diverse contexts with different individuals or groups, are common but rather vital sociolinguistic phenomena in a multilingual setting. This study integrates Fishman’s (1972 domain analysis to determine the dominant language choice of Tamil Christian youths in Malaysia based on their patterns of language choice and use in the domains of family, friendship, and religion; and to examine the underlying factors that govern their language choice patterns in the selected domains. The data were collected through a questionnaire administered to 60 Tamil Christian youths at a church in Kuala Lumpur; together with 4 face-to-face interviews. SPSS was used to get percentage values and frequencies through descriptive statistics of data from the questionnaire. The findings of the study indicate that the respondents chose and used English, Tamil, and Bahasa Malaysia in the selected domains. The English language was found to be used predominantly in all three domains as a result of the influence of these particular domains; the speakers’ verbal repertoires and those of their addressees; their attitude towards a language and its speakers; motivation; and also their sense of solidarity and social identity

Bilingualism in Malaysia: language education policy and local needs

On 11 September 2012, the Prime Minister unveiled the National Education Blueprint that laid the foundation for transforming the Malaysian education system. Among the issues addressed was the strengthening of the teaching and learning of the English language alongside the reinforcement of the learning of the national language. Attention was given to ensuring students' English language proficiency through an emphasis on bilingualism (Bahasa Malaysia and English), which is one of the six key "attributes" addressed in the blueprint. The blueprint currently invites comments and feedback from the public in order for it to be sensitive to local needs. In this context, the concept of bilingualism must be clearly established and explained as the degree of bilingual proficiency one achieves often depends on the wider societal attitudes towards the languages concerned. This paper aims to explore the context of bilingualism in Malaysia and to describe responses from an important segment of society, the teachers who contribute to achieving bilingualism among students who ultimately will constitute the workforce of the nation. As such, the policy and current practices have significant implications for any agenda to be successfully implemented in order to contribute meaningfully to local and international economies. The study traces the development of bilingualism and bilingual education in Malaysia. It also provides information on responses of language teachers who are seen to be policy implementers and stakeholders who can provide salient information on the effects related to language education policy

Flowers in the garden: a glance on multilingualism in Malaysia

This paper examines the recent changes to the Malaysian linguistic situation that had grave implications for the modifying of the language use in education. It discusses the status of English in pre- and early independent years and how language was revolutionised and replaced due to the widespread communicative use of Bahasa Melayu. Issues that underlie teacher apprehension as a result of the policy change and their language preferences are also highlighted. Investigating and understanding their apprehensions will help policy makers understand the impinging forces that have an impact on any policy innovation

Mandarin attrition among tertiary students

This study aimed at determining whether Mandarin language attrition occurs in terms of Chinese character recognition, word order, and writing ability after a two-month holiday. The methodology of the study is mainly quantitative, and the data were obtained through pre- and post- tests. Pre- and post- Mandarin tests were conducted among 65 participants. The results showed that slight attrition was found in Chinese character recognition, while serious attrition occurred in word order and writing ability. The reasons for the attrition were also discussed. The study suggested that more attention be paid to learning Chinese word order and writing and less to Chinese character recognition for Mandarin learners, especially in Malaysia

Patterns of language choice in the education domain: The Malaysian context

With Malaysia being a multilingual, multicultural and multiracial country, it is not surprising that everyone in Malaysia speaks at least two or more languages. Such a multilingual situation leads people to choose and use different languages for different purposes in different domains. Even within a single domain the choice of language varies on contexts, topics and participants. The purpose of this study was thus to investigate the patterns of language choice and use in the domain of education in Malaysia and also to investigate what influences this choice. The study examined the patterns of language choice among UPM(University Putra Malaysia) undergraduates through a questionnaire survey and the data was analyzed. The findings reveal that language choice in education varies on sub-domains. It is also found that language proficiency, ethnicity, gender, and discipline of study constrain the choice and use of language

Linguistic representation of English vocabulary attrition

This study aimed to identify vocabulary attrition and the linguistic representation of English vocabulary attrition. One hundred and twenty-one participants were randomly selected to participate in the vocabulary tests. The results of vocabulary attrition tests were measured through non-parametric 2-related samples tests and linguistic analyses in terms of phonology, morphology, and semantics. The authors identified a statistically significant vocabulary attrition during a two-month holiday. In the field of phonology, the authors reached the conclusion that medial segments of words are easily attrited, while words with similar onsets are easily attrited and the words with similar general rhythms are easily attrited. Furthermore, in the morphological area, it was argued that suffixes are subject to attrition, while words with similar onsets and general rhythms are easily attrited. As far as semantic representation of lexical attrition is concerned, the authors purport that the participants tend to mix synonyms, antonyms, and the words coordinately associated, superordinately related, or affectively connected. The affective factors, including active, passive and associative imagination, may cause lexical attrition as well