COLUMNIST

12 March 2012

ENGLISH: Make an effort to use it daily

By Josephine & Kumarathevan Balakrishnan, Gua Musang, Kelantan.  

THE debate on learning English as an important second language with greater emphasis will go on until the government finds an amicable solution. Hopefully, it would be soon before it's too late.

It's sad to see secondary students and even undergraduates struggling to speak proper English. A friend of mine, who is an English teacher at a private institute, said the standard of English -- both written and oral -- among the younger generation has declined.

In fact, the lack of good communication skills in English among graduates has often been cited as one of the reasons for their inability to get good jobs.

In this era of information technology, knowledge is the key towards enhancing our country's economic development and international relations.

This is where a good command of English is crucial.

English is the most important medium through which knowledge is transmitted. Sadly, according to our Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, many students are still unable to master English despite learning the language in school for 13 years. What's going on?

It was reported some time ago that the authorities in Beijing wanted most of its residents to learn English under an initiative to transform the Chinese capital into a "world city". How about us?

If we want to go global, the fastest is through strengthening our English. It's not enough that only some of our ministers, corporate leaders, English writers and those who studied in English-medium schools can speak the language fluently.

We have to immediately rectify this worsening scenario.

We should create opportunities to speak English in school, work- place, during breaktime and by mixing with people who are able to speak the language well. We should also use English when answering phone calls, making orders at restaurants and chatting online.

#Read more: ENGLISH: Make an effort to use it daily - Columnist - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/opinion/columnist/english-make-an-effort-to-use-it-daily-