SHAH ALAM, June 28 — Despite the firm efforts to uphold the national language, the importance of foreign languages should not be disregarded, said Malaysian Translators Association (PPM) president Hasuria Che Omar.
She said such knowledge should be learned and mastered as they not only broaden career opportunities but also expand international networks and enhance the intellectual value of society.
According to her, the mastery of foreign languages is not a threat to the sovereignty of the Malay language, as long as the national language continues to be used correctly in daily life and professional fields.
She also stressed the importance of correct language usage and avoiding code-mixing such as “rojak language”.
“If you speak Malay, use proper Malay and follow its grammar rules. If you use English or other foreign languages, do not mix them with Malay.
“This is important in preserving the national language. At the same time, foreign languages, whatever they may be, must be learned and mastered properly,” she told Media Selangor.
Hasuria reminded that around 2,500 languages worldwide are now on the brink of extinction, based on data from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
She expressed concern that excessive use of “rojak language” could undermine the authenticity and strength of the Malay language, ultimately risking the erosion of its identity as the national language in the long term.
“If Malay becomes mixed, it can fade and eventually disappear over time. But if we use High Malay, we consistently apply correct grammar and precise word choices,” she said.
“The Malay language is at risk of extinction if it is not kept alive; it may die out. If a language is not used, over time a generational gap occurs and eventually the number of speakers declines.
“Language must continue to be used and adapted to current developments so that younger generations can understand and appreciate it more easily,” said the former lecturer at the Centre for Languages and Translation and the School of Humanities, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM).
Hasuria, however, believes that mastery of foreign languages adds value by broadening knowledge, enhancing cognitive skills and opening wider career opportunities, particularly in fields such as technology or artificial intelligence.
She said that society needs a balance between mastering foreign languages and efforts to uphold the Malay language so that the identity of the national language is preserved across generations.
Mastery of foreign languages also enhances a person’s intellectual capacity, helping to avoid narrow thinking and making it easier to understand technological developments and various forms of global information.
She added that most individuals who are fluent in foreign languages are also able to adapt easily without discomfort in new cultures, including when living in other places or states.
As such, Hasuria praised the Selangor government for allocating millions of ringgit to conduct basic foreign language classes, known as the Language Discovery programme, since 2021, which is managed by the Selangor Public Library Corporation (PPAS).
“It is a good initiative. It is difficult to find individuals who are proficient in foreign languages as well as the source language (Malay). So, with the existence of foreign language classes, it is very good and highly encouraged."
To date, more than 10,000 participants have joined the programme, which offers free foreign language learning.
In the early phase of implementation from July 30 to December 31, 2021, the programme achieved remarkable success by offering eight foreign language options. As of March 30 this year, a total of 2,960 people had joined 148 classes conducted by 38 tutors.
Hasuria also suggested that foreign language learners should be exposed to the cultural practices of native speakers to make the learning process smoother and faster, for example through programmes in collaboration with foreign embassies.
