Mind Your English

Just few years back, the government converted the teaching of Maths and Science from Bahasa Malaysia to English. And within that few years, some parents have objected and some teachers complained that it was such a difficult task to do.

Recently however, after the Ministry have had enough of complains, they decided to convert teaching Maths and Science from English to Bahasa Malaysia. And within the next few days of that announcements, some parents objected and some teachers complained that changing from one language to another is a difficult task to do.

So where does this end? Everytime someone complains, the higher ups will switch just so they can please the people. And if they can't they will start "reviewing it," and "setting up special comittee." And if that doesn't work, "We have decided to switch it back after listening to the people." And after doing that, they are displeasing the other party who have originally supported the idea. When will it end?

If the higher ups really wants to do what's best for the people, they should do what's best for the people and not what is preceived "The best" to get them the votes. Yes, teaching Maths and Science in English might be a tough task to do, but it will gurantee that they, the future generations will be well equiped to face globalisation.

For all the talk about being well equipped for the globalisation and to be the first world country, brushing up our English language is very Important. Speaking on personal experience, once we enter college or Pre-university, especially for Science students, it is a challenge to master scientific terms in English.

I mean, at first I didn't know
Radius=Jejari

Fumes=Wasap

Imagine entering University not knowing this and learning this from the basic. That's being unfair to the students. And honestly, approxiamtely 80% to 90% of the students goes to college after Form 5 doing A' levels, SAM and Foundations. Even Maths and Science in form 6 and Matriculation are taught in English, so what's the point of learning in Bahasa Malaysia first and making the switch later on after almost 11 years of being taught in a completely different language?

And in the first place, English should be made a Compulsory Pass subject for SPM. I thought it was until read the newspaper.

If they really care about the people, they'll know that mastering English is the least they could do for them to prepare them for the future.

And Imagine the horror when I read this:

MJ rest in PIECE.

And imagine, 11 years from now theywant to have a solid economical platform without solid English.

Anyways, here are some english bloopers.



When Punctuation matters! (Pics from Innocentenglish.com)

And some from around the World!

Advertising billboard: "Are you an adult that cannot read? If so, we can help".

Hotel, Bukarest: "The lift is being fixed for the next day. During that time we regret that you will be unbearable".

Hotel, Japan: "You are invited to take advantage of the chambermaid".

Sign at Germany's Black Forrest: "It is strictly forbidden on our black forrest camping site that people of different sex, for instance, men and women, live together in one tent unless they are married with each other for this purpose".

Travel agency, Czech republic: "Take one of our horse-driven city tours. We guarantee no miscarriages".

Airline office add, Copenhagen: "We take your bags and send them in all directions".

Read more at International English Blunder!