BY: LEANNE K

Many Malaysian school children complain that the English language is difficult to learn, that it’s quirky, adults are struggling as well to improve on their command of the language, and to all and sundry they find the language mind boggling.

In order for anyone to master a language, it is important to start at a very young age, and to pick up from there to improve by much practice which should logically lead to perfect use of the language in all areas of life.

In the case of learning and mastering the English language, it is important to seek professional help from teachers and lecturers who are proficient and well-versed in using the language and to be able to impart their knowledge and skills.

For this to take place, there is at present a critical need to to train budding and aspiring English language teachers and to equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to educate people in this country.

The oft mentioned criticism levelled against English language teachers in the country now are not without any basis and therefore it is important for them to buck up and polish their knowledge and skills in the language.

Many Malaysians have a poor command of the English language and this is why it is necessary for the Ministry of Education to place dual emphasis and importance on both Bahasa Malaysia as the national language and English as a global language.

-THE MALAYSIA VOICE

** The views expressed on this opinion is of the writer and not the publisher