.Tuesday, May 18, 2010 ' 11:15 AM Y
Mother Tongue is a language that is used to distinguish the different ethnic groups in Singapore. Lowering the weighting implies that students will tend to focus more on studying their English language rather than their respective Mother Tongue Language. Students will also communicate in English more frequent. Since Singapore is recognised as a multi-ethnic country, wouldn’t it affect Singapore’s identity if Mother Tongue language is used less frequent?
Ms Monica Lim, 40, said that ‘reduced Mother Tongue weighting would help lessen exam stress on the bulk of students who come from English-speaking homes.’ What is an examination without stress and feeling pressurized? If students think that the Mother tongue papers are tough, shouldn’t this motivate them to study harder? All languages are learnt through frequent speaking and reading. How will children learn if parents don’t communicate in their Mother Tongue at home?
When Singaporeans enter the working sector, it would be at their advantage to be bilingual. For instance, employees will be sent for attachments overseas to countries like China, where they are required to speak in Mandarin. A communication breakdown will occur if Singaporean employees do not understand or speak fluently in Mandarin. Thus, companies will be at loss and this may affect their reputation.
On the other hand, lowering the weighting of Mother Tongue in the PSLE would be an advantage.
Those who excel better in English, Mathematics and Science would score better in the PSLE. Some people do not see a need to apply Mother Tongue language in future. In tertiary institutions like Polytechnics, Mother Tongue language is not a compulsory module for students.
I conclude that the MOE should not lower the weighting of Mother Tongue language. Singaporeans should not lose their distinct languages and uphold the national identity. Being bilingual is something that Singaporeans should be proud of.
julia.
Labels: Singaporean split on Mother Tongue weighting.
