Bandar Seri Begawan - The Malay language must not only be inherited but also learned, said a Bruneian expert at the Knowledge Convention 2010 yesterday.
"Being Malay does not necessarily mean one can speak the language well," said Dato Paduka Hj Alidin Hj Othman, a former Language and Literature Bureau director.
During his presentation, "Bahasa Melayu Jati Diri Bangsa" or Malay language as national identity at the Knowledge Convention, he highlighted the need to continue learning and improve one's use of the Malay language.
"Learning and improving our Malay language does not prevent us from learning other languages. Learn and master as many languages as you want," he said.
"...but do not let the languages master you, you are the one who should master these languages," he added.
He added that even though one is educated in the Western world, one should continue to master the Malay language.
"Learning the language does not necessarily mean entering (Malay language) classes," he said, adding that it is important to learn from the learned and be willing to accept criticisms.
The attitude towards a particular language has an impact on its survival. Even though many consider attitude as a small matter, it can have negative effects to the language, he said.
He further touched on youths as Brunei's future generation and the need for them to be given due attention in this issue.
Dato Hj Alidin put forward several recommendations in mastering the language.
He emphasised the importance of the family institution, schools and the media in their roles in mastering the Malay language.
"Family is the first place/institution for individuals and it plays an important role in practising the usage of proper Malay language."
"Schools provide a formal education where with guidance from trained teachers, students can master the language," he added.
He said that formal education is important, especially with students now showing a weakness in spelling Malay words.
Dato Hj Alidin suggested that Malay spelling competitions be held to encourage correct Malay words spelling.
The former Language and Literature Bureau director also recommended youths to listen to Brunei Malay songs as another way of mastering the language.
He also pointed out the role of media in improving Malay language.
"The media play an important role in strengthening Malay language, especially in terms of language arrangement and correct pronunciation," he said.-- Courtesy of The Brunei Times
Written by Rasidah HAB
Source: http://www.brudirect.com
"Being Malay does not necessarily mean one can speak the language well," said Dato Paduka Hj Alidin Hj Othman, a former Language and Literature Bureau director.
During his presentation, "Bahasa Melayu Jati Diri Bangsa" or Malay language as national identity at the Knowledge Convention, he highlighted the need to continue learning and improve one's use of the Malay language.
"Learning and improving our Malay language does not prevent us from learning other languages. Learn and master as many languages as you want," he said.
"...but do not let the languages master you, you are the one who should master these languages," he added.
He added that even though one is educated in the Western world, one should continue to master the Malay language.
"Learning the language does not necessarily mean entering (Malay language) classes," he said, adding that it is important to learn from the learned and be willing to accept criticisms.
The attitude towards a particular language has an impact on its survival. Even though many consider attitude as a small matter, it can have negative effects to the language, he said.
He further touched on youths as Brunei's future generation and the need for them to be given due attention in this issue.
Dato Hj Alidin put forward several recommendations in mastering the language.
He emphasised the importance of the family institution, schools and the media in their roles in mastering the Malay language.
"Family is the first place/institution for individuals and it plays an important role in practising the usage of proper Malay language."
"Schools provide a formal education where with guidance from trained teachers, students can master the language," he added.
He said that formal education is important, especially with students now showing a weakness in spelling Malay words.
Dato Hj Alidin suggested that Malay spelling competitions be held to encourage correct Malay words spelling.
The former Language and Literature Bureau director also recommended youths to listen to Brunei Malay songs as another way of mastering the language.
He also pointed out the role of media in improving Malay language.
"The media play an important role in strengthening Malay language, especially in terms of language arrangement and correct pronunciation," he said.-- Courtesy of The Brunei Times
Written by Rasidah HAB
Source: http://www.brudirect.com
