what do you think are the causes for the poor standard of english in Malaysia?

Answer 1

They hardly read, write, speak, listen to English. They don't bother to master English as M'sian thought B.M it just enough for them to survive at M’sia. So why bother to master English???

Answer 2

I think the cause of Malaysia's poor english standard is due to major emphasis in their first language, Malay. Students spend most of the time i school learning malay rather than english. As a result, it raises the malay standard but at the same time, neglected the english standard.

From what I heard, most of the textbooks they use, are in malay. So, this is simply why the standard of english is so poor.

Answer 3

1. the fact that they dont take the initiative to learn. ive seen many a times that those who can hardly speak english choose not to speak at all, rather than to slowly learn

2. most people here dont have the habit to read. and those who do, rather pick up a novel of a language they are more confortable with instead of picking up an english novel

3. the fact that in school, its more essential to know Malay rather than english. so most people pay more attention in learning Malay. however, the education system is slowly implementing subjects is english...so im guessing there will be an improvement, but in time

Answer 4

A one word answer:
Anwar

Edit:
Mick has raised some interesting points, specifically C. My ex-wife has been teaching English at primary school level for 20 years in Malaysia and her command of English is questionable to say the least. I could give you a hundred different examples but dont wish to bore you.

A case of the blind leading the blind?

Edit: Yes Boss I work nights (Aircraft Engineer) so I'm trying to stay awake and sleep during the daytime so as to keep the same sleeping pattern.

So much for my one word answer, Aku jako bisar hummm.

Edit:
Hey Boss, nuan malu ka? mana ada!

Edit:
Hey Oskortos, cute answer-lah!

Edit: Not sure if you are still reading this Boss, but, I had my own restaurant and pub which I ran.

Answer 5

a) Different background culture
b) Don't have much chances to communicate in English
c) Teacher don't teach in interesting way
d) No encouragement from surrounding people
e) People in Malaysia respect their own languages like what happen in Japan, Europe.
f) No initiative to learn something that rarely used in some people daily life especially in rural area.

Answer 6

there is also no reading culture in Malaysia... I have learnt all my languages through supplementary reading - not only the meagre textbooks at school. Further, to-day there is too much TV. Look at the elder generations. Those who have had the chance to learn English speak it very well...

Answer 7

The Bahasa Kebangsaan campaign in the 60s

Answer 8

The lack of ppl speaking in english?? Coz there was no need to as everyone speaks the national lang. But in some places, the english spoken there was gd. so maybe just the laid back places. They're picking up.

Answer 9

repairman, very early today ya, can't sleep well ka? don't think of that dinosaur and saber tiger to much, man. haha

poor standard? no lah...my english ok what? even repairman the orang putih can understand me very much even my jargon. but your english grammar not so OK lah, please check and rephrase your question. very poor standard lah your english, raudah. aku sangat malu

-edit-
repairman, i was wondering, what were you doing in malaysia for 10 years - aircraft engineer too or what

Answer 10

In the first place,

Malay lang is widely use in Malaysia, Cantonese and Hokkien is also widely use rather den mandrian....

In textbook and conversation between most malays and chinese are in Malay... and all text book are in Malay...

Afterall, Malay is their national lang....

Cant blame....