More exhibitions, performances and book talks will be held to revitalise the Malay language.
This was detailed by the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Lawrence Wong in parliament today.
“The NHB (National Heritage Board) will support the plans by the Malay Language Council to organise Bulan Bahasa on a larger scale,” he said.
These plans include “exhibitions … showcasing the contributions of our literary pioneers and community leaders”, “book talks and Malay language performances targeted at students of all ages, from pre-school to tertiary”.
According to the National Institute of Education, Bulan Bahasa aims to “encourage the use of Malay Language in everyday activities.”
Mr Wong said this in a response to a question by Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC Member of Parliament Zainudin Nordin who asked about the relevance of Bulan Bahasa and “whether the teaching and learning of the Malay language will be further improved to inspire our younger generation to use it more”.
Mr Wong also said that “group discussions, debates, role-plays, and the use of technology” have been used to make lessons “more fun and engaging”, after the Mother Tongue Language Review Committee made recommendations to do so in 2010.
“Schools also organise Mother Tongue Fortnights annually in collaboration with community organisations and stakeholders, during which cultural activities are showcased to stimulate students’ interest in their mother tongue and help them to see how the language can come alive.
“Some schools go the extra mile to expose their non-Malay students to the Malay language and culture.
He said that, “A good example is Edgefield Secondary School where all its students learn conversational mother tongue languages, including Malay, as well as about the respective cultures, in Secondary 1.”
Mr Wong also said pre-schools can tap on the Lee Kuan Yew Fund for Bilingualism (LKYFB), which was set up to promote bilingualism among pre-school children.
Source: www.therealsingapore.com
