Keeping the mother tongues alive: Promoting Malay as a bridge to the region

Young residents taking part in Semarak Warisan at Nee Soon GRC, held as part of Bulan Bahasa or Malay Language Month.
Young residents taking part in Semarak Warisan at Nee Soon GRC, held as part of Bulan Bahasa or Malay Language Month. ST FILE PHOTO
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A shift to emphasising the conversational use of Malay is a good move, say observers, especially to engage young people.

But more can be done to focus on how the language can help tap regional opportunities.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Sunday Times on November 03, 2019, with the headline Keeping the mother tongues alive: Promoting Malay as a bridge to the region. Subscribe