277the Importance of English Language in Malaysia21

7/27/2019 277the Importance of English Language in Malaysia21

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THE IMPORTANCE OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE IN MALAYSIA

Introduction

Nowadays ,English Language has grown to the most important language in the

world. .Malaysia has grown rapidly in all aspects of life including the usage of English

language in daily life.

The main cause for this transformation is the rapid growth of Computer Science

and electronical market. We live in fast world where speaking and learning English is a

must. If we, havent begun yet,we better start picking up basics of the language, So that

we will not left behind.

Modern English is sometimes described as the world lingua franca. English is the

dominant international language in communications, science,business,entertainment,

diplomacy and on the internet.

It has been one of the official language in the united nations and is considerd by many to

be on its way to becoming the worlds first universal language.

In Malaysian towns,for example,English is the main language of commerce andthere are many signs advertisement found everywhere in the urban area.

So, English can be a termed as second language in Malaysian towns.In the rural

areas,however English is a foreign language because the rural child has very little

environmental support in his learning of English.This because only very few people and

institutions in the rural areas use English.

There are many reasons why English language become so important in Malaysia and

our pupils probably do so for one of these reasons.

i. English language as a compulsory subject in curriculum.

English language is a compulsory subject in the Malaysian Curriculum.So, for

many pupils their reason for learning English is because they have to. Pupils learn

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English as a second language.They have to learn proper English ,so that they would

be able to use it for different purposes.For examples,ask for information,understand

instructions,read textbooks or manual and write reports.

This mean they need to learn ,listen and understand, speak and write

accurately,fluently and appropriately. To achieve this ,they need to learn

pronunciation,grammar,appropriacy and the language skills.

ii. English language in educations

English language is commonly used as a medium for the communication of

information and news.Proficiency in English will open the door to greater

opportunities for further educations, especially at tertiary level. It also enables pupils

to gain access to the vast amount of literature and information in all fields of

learning,especially in Science and Tecnology.

English is the language of choice for teaching Mathematics and Science in

school.The policy was implemented from January 2003.After 4 years of

implementing Mathematics and Science in English, The Minister of Education should

not hesitate about letting children carry on with the present policy.

I believe that learning English itself will widen the horizon of our children. Most

activities dealing with arts and culture held around city like Kuala Lumpur and even

outside country are conducted in English.If the children are proficient in English,they

will enjoy those activities to the fullest. At the end of the day ,this is their advantage.

To gain knowledge from the available source.

iii. English for business, Diplomacy and Professions.

In Malaysia, English is a major language for international trades.It is the language

that many businessmen are likely to use to communicate when dealing with their

business.Important commodities such as silver,tin and currency are traded in English.

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English is also an official language of many international organizations and many

professional organizations.Businessman who has proficiency in English will have lot

of opportunities regarding their field and expanding business.

It is frequently the English language is used in international

conferences.Throughout the world,many professional papers are published in

English.Many researchers in universities and companies attend international

conferences to present the result of their research in English. Their papers are also

published in international journals ,which are also in English. Even papers that are

published in other language often have abstracts in English.

iv. English language as a symbol of status.

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.In Malaysia

however,there some children especially those from middle-class homes,who do not

know their mother tongue because English is spoken more than the mother tongue in

the childs home. People from this middle-class prefer using English when

communicate with their friends and neighbours.

Conclusion

Based on the above even , I think English is very important for Malaysian. It is

the second language and even use widely . The use of English language will make

Malaysians ready to compete in the world. As for the student, proficient in English

language is an advantage for them to reach the higher level of education.

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277the Importance of English Language in Malaysia21