I agree with you that most of us seem to care much about promoting the English-speaking new generation and even the old ones to flourish in our country.

The problem is, Malay itself is disappearing slowly. The importance of speaking Malay is no longer a high priority than English. Even when I am posting in English right now, it doesn't mean I have forgotten my standard and Brunei Malay.

The perception which is embedded in the new generation now is that, if you can't speak English it's a shame. Why then, if you're a Malay who cannot speak Malay seems to be more acceptable than not being able to speak English? It is good, to have taught those people the importance of knowing and understanding the English language, but keep it as a second language. Do not forget our Mother Tongue, it doesn't really matter if it's Brunei Malay or Standard Malay, learn them both! If students can develop interest in learning various other languages, why not let them develop the love for OUR language?

It's because we are ashamed of our own language that we seem to see no value in our OWN language. And we tailor that perception on our OWN language to the rest of us, then we tend to forget that we have a treasure in Brunei which should be our OWN pride of being Bruneians. Come on, show love for your own at least. Haven't you heard the sayings that a country is only successfully growing when its people who love itself nurture it every living day of their lives?

Think about it, and make a difference. Start with yourself first and when you've successfully done that, then maybe you can think of upgrading the infrastructure of this country.

Comments (8)

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Malay vs English
written by Parent , November 19, 2009

Aku pikir Malay nda decomposing (or mebbe it is,) p English isn't gaining either. U kno wat? Rojak is gaining. I mean cuba just dangar Pelangi fm or Kristal fm, u will get wat I maksudkan. If tani mau our remaja to amalkan proper Malay then tani mesti give dem good contoh to follow melalui popular established channel. Plangi n Kristal fm are popular channels 4 our remaja. Mebbe we should start with dem 2 channels - make dem djs talk proper malay or at least talk proper englis. But nothing to worri really - aku dulu pun masa remaja cakap rojak jua but now u see ok jua kan bahasaku? Ada malay saying: To bend bamboo u start wen still rebung. Don't be like a crab teaching his crablets walking straight. Tink kiu!

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to parent
written by ... , November 19, 2009

kamu pun cakap rojak

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Malay Language lives on in modern English...
written by cunning linguist , November 19, 2009

Did you know that the english word 'amok' is borrowed from the Malay lexicon? To 'run amok' or 'mengamok' means to run with rage. The etymology is that Malay/Javanese societies are said to be extremely hierarchical with emphasis on deference to rulers (sounds familiar - MIB?). The sudden explosion of internal tension created in this society is why this madness deserved its own 'word' - don't believe me? read wikipedia 'running amok'. Encyclopedia Britannica 1911 quotes:

"A Malay will suddenly and apparently without reason rush into the street armed with a kris or other weapons, and slash and cut at everybody he meets till he is killed."

The success of any culture is based on how many of its words has influenced the English language:

Greek - neuro, paleo, hydro, chrono
French - a la carte, buffet, brunette
German - burger, aspirin

Instead of wasting energy to what will be the inevitable disuse of the Malay language, why not use that energy to add to the english language? If we don't, then by the time Malay language becomes extinct the only words our great grandchildren (who will speak some advanced language that sounds of current english + mandarin) can relate to us is by understanding this word 'amok' that we gave to them!

Imagine what they will think of us? They will think we are always 'mengamok'!!

P.S. Tapi banar jua ah, even orang brunei modern gila mengamok: sampai comment and comment until everybody is killed!

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written by Handsome , November 20, 2009

Rojak nyaman maybe ah can?

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written by chillax , November 21, 2009

globalisation = colonisation ; The British are coming back again

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written by giveup , November 24, 2009

We rather give up than use our brains.

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malay languare is definately not ignored here!
written by jo , November 25, 2009

I disagree that malay language is being disregard as compare to English. From what i know of that that if u speak the language at home the kids will learn the language. Most of my kids in school cant even read English and there kids are in secondary. Half the time they speak malay in class even if it is a non malay subject.

so i am not sure what u are trying to say there? please check your fact.

What more have u seen what the kids learn in year 1 malay as compare to English? It is is so in depth. That i struggle ! They are learning simpulan bahasa which was normally taught in year 4.

We are no embarassed of our own language but mind u not all of us has malay as our mother tongue. Since we are not malay to start of we at home we speak chinese. Malay is just a subject for us in school just like science or history so pls dont take it personally.

Dont make it harder for the kids in school. Between ugama and schoool and tuition. Kids here bascicall has no life already. Thanks

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Kedayan has better chance than Malay...
written by cunning linguist , November 28, 2009

Aku bana2 kan kau (param pam pam)
psl aku luan syg kan kau
tapi kau cuang aah ku
bia saja ku unja yg bahauu
ui danga sini jgn ta kan asi asi
inda ku kan beguna kau lagi
lagi2 aku cayi lagi
lagi2 aku cayi lagiiiiuuuuuuuu

Search youtube: Askar kedayan berlagu

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