Lecture Notes on Language Policy and Bilingualism

Overview

• Discussion of language policy in Singapore from 1965 onwards.
• Speaker reflects on past beliefs about learning languages and the impact of language policy on identity and culture.

Historical Context

• Post-War Singapore (1945-1965):
  • Existence of different communal groups: Malay kampongs, Chinese villages, etc.
  • Initial approach of laissez-faire language policy inherited from British.
  • Introduction of mother tongue in English schools and English in Malay/Tamil schools.

Language Policy Decisions

• 1965 Independence:
  • Chinese Chamber of Commerce urged for Chinese as national language.
  • Speaker argued against it, emphasizing the need for English as the working language for trade and knowledge access.
  • Mother Tongue Policy:
    • Decision to maintain mother tongues as second languages to prevent them from vanishing.
    • Emphasis on the importance of identity and cultural understanding through native languages.

Personal Reflection

• Speaker's personal struggle with language acquisition:
  • Attended Chinese school reluctantly, preferred English.
  • Faced challenges in political debates due to language skills.
  • Learned Mandarin late in life, highlighting the importance of multilingualism in understanding cultural heritage.

Key Insights on Bilingualism

• Bilingualism Challenges:

  • Misconception that any IQ can learn two languages simultaneously.
  • Importance of mastering one language to absorb knowledge effectively.
  • Gender differences: Statistically, girls perform better in languages than boys.

• Evolution of Language Policies:

  • Recognition that language values change over time.
  • The goal is to maintain English as a working language while appreciating mother tongues.

Future Considerations

• Ongoing Language Dynamics:

  • Competition between languages and cultures will persist.
  • Encouragement for children to prioritize Mandarin over dialects to maintain relevance.
  • Government adjustments in administrative measures to support language choices.

• Cultural Identity:

  • Acknowledgement of the need for cultural values to remain dominant amidst English influence.
  • Importance of bilingualism to provide a balanced worldview.

Conclusion

• Speaker takes responsibility for past policies and acknowledges mistakes in implementation.
• Encourages educators to engage students creatively with languages, emphasizing enjoyment and practical use.
• Calls for a continued commitment to bilingualism to support future generations in a globalized world.