the importance of english language in malaysia

OUMH 1303English For Oral Communication.muslim

CONTENTS

Introductions……………………………………………………………….. 1

The Importance of English in Malaysia…………………………………… 1

a) In Educations………………………………………… 1

b) Socially……………………………………………… 2

c) Economically……………………………………….. 3

Conclusions………………………………………………………………. 3

References………………………………………………………………… 4

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INTRODUCTIONS

Language is a leraned,shared and arbitrary system of vocal symbols

through which human beings in the same speech community or subculture interact and

hence communicate in terms of their common cultural experience and

expectations(Henry Lee Smith,Jr.). As We know that English language is very important

now days because it is becoming the lingua franca of the world. From the small country

until to big country, English language playing the important role in communication. In

Malaysia, which is a multi-racial,multi-cultural,multi-lingual and multi-religious country

is give a priority to English language as a second language. This is because of the few

reasons why this language is very important in Malaysia in 21st century.

THE IMPORTANCE OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE IN MALAYSIA

In educations,English language is playing the main role either to the

student or to the teacher. This is because many refrences books,which are needed to the

student are in English espececially the student in higher educations level likes university

student. Beside that, in Malaysia.,Englisg is the medium of instructions at most private

higher educations institutions,where many of the courses tought are programmes of

foreign universities and professional bodies. Today’s graduates are also expected to be

proficient in the language to move up in the work place.

For the teacher, the knowledge in English is very important either they are

English teacher or none. In 1991, the former Prime Minister,Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad

made a press statement highlighting his concerns regarding the poor results the national

English language examinations which was given at the end of secondary school. He was

perturbed that Malaysia might not only lose its economic competitiveness but also find it

hard to progress in the industrial and technical fields if its works was not competent in

English. So that,since year 2003,subject mathematics and science were began to teach in

English language for year one,form one,form four and form six student. So, all that

subject teachers had changed their mind and realize the importance of English language

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in educations. To improve their teaching way in English,they attend a few courses that

are organized by the Educations Department.

In the other hand,because of the using English in teaching mathematics

and science, the parents also started to use the language in home. So that,their children

will get confident and interest to learn English in school. This help the teacher to pass the

message easily to the student.

Socially, English is widely used as a language of communications in urban

areas amongst large numbers of people from the upper,middle classes,and people who

have been educated in English or who have studied overseas. Therefore,if we did not

have knowledge in English,the communication problem will occur our neighborhood.

This will cause interfere the relations with them although they are same race with us. On

the other hand, this problem will make us to face many problems. For example,if we want

to go outstations,our house will unguarded. This will encourage the ‘unneeded guests’ go

inside and take the valuable things. Meanwhile,if we have a good relations and

communicate with them in English,this problem may be able to avoid.

Besides that,the knowledge in English also helps to easily done many deal

without others peoples support especially in the city area. For example,we can find a new

place in this area if we have a good communications in English because most the people

in city are very good in talking English. On the others hand,dealing in banking is also

very easy if we have some knowledge in English because most of the instructions in bank

are in English especially when we use the ATM machine. Moreover,in entertainment also

English is very important. This is because a lot of entertainment in Malaysia such as

movies,songs,storybooks and many more are English language. Therefore,one reason the

people in Malysia give for learning English is to understand songs,movies and books.

Therefore,it is very important we have the knowledge in English to make easier our

social life.

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Economically, English is also very important especially when we want to

do business with the person in other country. This is because English is the batter

language to use when communicates or discuss about our business to the foreigner.

Therefore,it is making easy to sell our local product to them and stabilize our economic.

According to the Ministry of Trade and Industrial,Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz,our business

now days with the others country is increased compare than in year 70’s. One of the

reasons for this situations is the communications between the business person is very

well. So,she also advice for the person who interested in business and want to do business

with the other country,will prepare themselves with a good English Communication.

In tourism,the English language is also playing the main role because most

of the tourists are from outside the South-est Asia which is use English as a common

language in their daily life. Therefore,that our Malaysian Police Department gives special

allowance to the police officers who have good communication in English. Besides

that,the Malaysian Government is also deducting tax in 1995’s budget for the sector that

is related to the tourism. This mean the sector must do a few ways to encourage a lot of

foreigner to our country. One of the ways is the tourist guide must be well in

communication in English.

CONCLUSION

As we have seen,it is clear for us that English language palys an important

role in many fields such as education,social,economic and many more. Therefore,if we

fail fail to teach this language to our children,they will become a “blind man” in future.

This is because,in future,English language becomes very important in many deals in

Malaysia.Although English is the second language,but it will use widely everywhere

include in the rural place. Therefore,for our generations’ better life in future,we should

start to use English from now.

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REFERENCES

1. Cellworks(2005/6),Why Learn English.

http://www.free-phase.com/eng/why_learn.php. Assessed on 03.03.2007

2. Pang Hong Yee (2007),English For Life. The Star,Friday 16.02.2007.

Kuala Lumpur.

3. Hannah Pillay(1998),Issues in the Teaching of English in Malaysia.

Jalt Publications, Kuala Lumpur.

4. Kenji Kitao(1996), Why Do we Teach English?

The Internet TESL Journal, Vol.2 (Japan)

5. J.S.Gunn and R.D.Eagleson (1996),English Language For Senior Students.

Volume 11(Survey Of Language).Angus ang Robertson,Australia.

6. Keith Marshall,Language : The Key to Future Success. Dewan Masyarakat,

April 2005.

7. Premavathy a/p N. Gurusamy (1996),The Status of English-In-Use In Malaysia.

Jurnal Pendidikan Guru, Maktab Perguruan Temenggong Ibrahim,Johor.

8.. Teach English The Right Way, The Sun,Tuesday March 6,2007. Kuala Lumpur.

9. English Specialists,The Sun, Tuesday March 6,2007.Kuala Lumpur.

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http://www.free-phase.com/eng/why_learn.php.%20Assessed%20on%2003.03.2007


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the importance of english language in malaysia

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