In a recent viral video circulating on social media, a group of Malay teens in Singapore confessed to their limited proficiency in the Malay language, triggering a debate among Malaysians about language preservation and identity. The video, shared on the TikTok account @beritamediacorp, featured an interview with the Singaporean teens, questioning their reasons for avoiding the use of the Malay language.
When I try to talk in Malay its so bad
— Arif E. (@arfdy12) August 19, 2023
Rupanya ramai belia di Singapura kurang memilih untuk bercakap Bahasa Melayu berbanding Bahasa Inggeris.
Di Malaysia ada fenomena seperti ini juga ke? pic.twitter.com/72WT07g8eS
Many of the teenagers cited the unfamiliarity and lack of fluency as reasons for not using Malay in their daily conversations. They expressed discomfort with the sound and structure of the language, considering it awkward and less polished compared to their English proficiency. Some participants mentioned that they still communicate in Malay with their grandparents at home, but when interacting with friends, they tend to prefer using English due to its convenience and ease of use.
The video's content garnered attention from Malaysians, who were, on average, surprised by the revelations made by the Singaporean teens.
Language Dynamics in Singapore
The language situation in Singapore is a complex interplay between its multicultural society and education policies. Singapore's educational system primarily uses English as the medium of instruction, starting from primary school and continuing through university, with the exception of "mother tongue" subjects, which are taught in the student's ancestral language. This policy has led to a scenario where many Chinese, Malay, and Indian students grow up predominantly speaking English and may struggle to maintain proficiency in their respective mother tongues.
For instance, among the Malay community, it's not uncommon for younger generations to communicate less frequently in Malay due to the prevalence of English in schools and the broader society. However, the ability to speak Malay is still important for connecting with older family members and preserving cultural heritage.
Insights from Netizens
Comments from Malaysian netizens shed light on the parallels between this phenomenon and the situation in Malaysia, where the English language is often considered less spoken and less formally mastered compared to the national language, Bahasa Malaysia.
Sani Hamid (@sanihamid) commented: "If we were to compare this phenomenon to, it can be likened to the English language. Due to its limited usage, the overall proficiency in language and speech isn't high. In, education is primarily in English from grade 1 to university, except for the mother tongue subject in the native language. Whether it's Chinese, Malay, or others, many struggle because they only use their native language at home. But their English level is okay. In this video, many speak Singlish, and they can switch to proper English when necessary."
Azhar\ ازهر\AJ (@rahzamdy) shared: "Indeed. For example, when I was there, I spoke in Bahasa Malaysia to several people and they mentioned that my way of speaking was better and more formal compared to many Malays they encountered. So, I explained that I'm from Sabah and my pronunciation is more standard."
myrul (@amyrulhakeemee) affirmed: "I can confirm this! Almost all cousins and second cousins (around the same age or younger) in Singapore can't speak Malay well even with family. You could say that the younger Malay generation in SG is embarrassed to speak BM because it's not familiar/to avoid looking down on them/to avoid speaking in a strange accent."
IZZ (@IZZ9494) added: "Actually, we have something similar in Malaysia, but it's not 100% English, maybe 70%/30%, as the surroundings are English-speaking and people are used to hearing/reading English. So, their minds are more attuned to English, but they might struggle with constructing sentences in Malay or some words might not come out easily."
AA (@nimaadia) shared: "Yes, it's because of their English-speaking surroundings, i.e., schools. But if they speak Malay at home every day, there's actually no issue. Parents who send their kids to international/private schools, if they speak the native language with their kids at home."
Language Identity and Societal Impact
This phenomenon raises questions about the preservation of cultural and linguistic identity among different communities in Singapore. While the widespread use of English may enhance global communication and economic opportunities, it also creates challenges in maintaining native languages and cultural connections. The preferences revealed by these Singaporean teens also highlight the impact of education policies and societal norms on language usage.
As language plays a crucial role in shaping individual and collective identities, discussions surrounding language preservation and proficiency are vital for societies like Singapore and Malaysia, which celebrate their rich multicultural heritage. The video has ignited a broader conversation about the importance of valuing and nurturing native languages within the context of a globalized world.
