Friday, 14 October 2011
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Asian Correspondent, 14 Oct 2011
Singaporeans are told from a young age that our bilingualism is an asset. It reflects our enlightened nature and places us in prime position to reap benefit from the gulf between East and West. All this hopes to maintain the image, both domestically and overseas, of an internationally competitive nation that holds fast to its cultural roots.
But, it is easy to forget just how difficult it is to be effectively bilingual. One has to be constantly exposed to both languages in different forms – books, TV, and music – and in association with different subject matter – news, pop culture, and technical jargon – to keep them in tiptop condition. Attending mandatory language classes from the ages of 7-19 does not automatically make one fluent. Full story
OPINION: The myth of the bilingual Chinese Singaporean - Sharon Chen
Asian Correspondent, 14 Oct 2011Singaporeans are told from a young age that our bilingualism is an asset. It reflects our enlightened nature and places us in prime position to reap benefit from the gulf between East and West. All this hopes to maintain the image, both domestically and overseas, of an internationally competitive nation that holds fast to its cultural roots.
But, it is easy to forget just how difficult it is to be effectively bilingual. One has to be constantly exposed to both languages in different forms – books, TV, and music – and in association with different subject matter – news, pop culture, and technical jargon – to keep them in tiptop condition. Attending mandatory language classes from the ages of 7-19 does not automatically make one fluent. Full story
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