Edvectus’ Post

How important is learning the mother tongue to Singaporeans and our nation? "Is Singapore becoming a monolingual nation and is that a boon or bane for national identity?" "More Singaporeans are speaking English at home, as mother tongues fade into the background While some parents and students view their mothers tongues simply as an academic requirement, others stress its cultural significance Among the attempts to make mother tongue learning more engaging is a new primary school syllabus being progressively rolled out from this year Though some young Singaporeans feel indifferent about their mother tongues, experts caution against the dilution of Singapore’s linguistic diversity" One of the reasons why Singapore is attractive to MNCs and foreigners is because of what LKY did and make English our first language here. It's a masterstroke. It enabled Singapore to stand out from it's neighbours as looking and feeling global not just regional and local. But at what cost? All Singaporeans have to learn their motehr tongue at school but that doesn't necessarily mean that they use it outside of school given that English is our first language. Should mother tongues be encouraged to be used or is it a waste of time and energy given our global positioning? What do you think? https://lnkd.in/g-XVvz9V

New Publication Alert: "跟醫生學中文 - Cùng bác sĩ học Tiếng Trung" I'm thrilled to announce the publication of my book designed for Vietnamese speakers eager to master Mandarin Chinese within the medical field. "Learn Chinese with Doctors" is not just a language learning book—it's a bridge connecting cultures and enhancing communication in healthcare. ✨ Part One is a practical guide to navigating common scenarios encountered in medical settings. From scheduling appointments to discussing symptoms with healthcare professionals, it equips readers with the necessary vocabulary to communicate confidently and effectively. ✨ Part Two is an extensive compendium of medical terms across three languages: Vietnamese, Mandarin Chinese, and English. This section is invaluable for understanding the human body, its functions, and the language of healthcare. Whether you're a medical professional looking to expand your linguistic skills or a student aiming to break language barriers in healthcare, this book is tailored for you. 📚 Grab your copy and embark on a journey of language and learning that promises to open doors to better healthcare communication. #LanguageLearning #MedicalChinese #Mandarin #Vietnamese #HealthcareCommunication link of the book: https://lnkd.in/g-22zWxb

These Are What I Experienced In The Linguistics Major!! Hello, I'm Ami, a linguistics student from Indonesia 🙌 I'm currently in 2nd semester, and these are what I experienced in my major: 1. A good learning environment helps our progress 2. Lack of information can affect our focus on learning 3. Poor communication with lecturers can harm us in terms of course grades 4. Don't depend too much on other people, we must be independent and wise. 5. Studying after college greatly increases our progress in understanding the material #linguistics #collegestudent #english #language

For many decades, sociolinguists at the National University of Singapore have investigated topics related to how language is used in Singapore, including how Singaporeans with different social backgrounds speak and write in various situations. In this commentary, Assoc Prof Rebecca Starr discusses how researchers from #NUSEnglishLinguisticsandTheatreStudies worked alongside a team of international researchers to develop the Corpus of Singapore English Messages, which has helped sociolinguists investigate patterns in Singapore English among different social groups. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gY-2-hpe #singlish #singaporeenglish

*The Maze of Higher Education* Date: Sunday, January 21, 2024 Time: 2:00 PM-3:00 PM Venue: Got1Bookshop Speaker: Angie Tung (Deputy Principal, MAHSA Avenue International College (MAIC)) The event will address the following questions: - Is it better to go to a more expensive university? - ⁠Is going to university the only way to succeed? - ⁠How to choose the right major? - ⁠How to choose the right school? - ⁠How to confirm that the major is recognized? The speaker, Angie Tung is a qualified educator with over 15 years of experience in higher education. She is also a certified speaker and a part-time translator. She is proficient in communication, especially in the use of nonverbal expression, soft skills, and persuasion skills. The event is open to parents, graduates, and soon-to-be graduates. Seats are limited, so sign up now! (This session will be conducted in Mandarin) #MAIC #Madarin #education

#SriMandarin creates Global citizens.. As the most spoken language in the world, Chinese is becoming increasingly important in today's global landscape. With China's growing influence on the world stage, speaking Chinese is no longer a niche skill, but a valuable asset for kids to thrive in an interconnected world. At Srimandarin, we believe that language learning is not just about grammar and vocabulary, but about cultivating cultural understanding, empathy, and global citizenship. Our Chinese classes for kids are designed to be engaging, interactive, and age-appropriate, helping young minds develop a strong foundation in Mandarin and a deeper appreciation for Chinese culture. #Srimandarin #ChineseForKids #GlobalCitizenship #LanguageLearning #CulturalExchange"

Hello folks, Today, as we celebrate International Mother Language Day, let us reflect on the profound significance of our mother tongues. Our native languages shape our thoughts, values, and perceptions, serving as much more than mere tools for communication. They are windows into our cultural identities, repositories of unique traditions, stories, and knowledge passed down through generations in our communities. Allow me to express myself in my mother tongue, through sign language. My family hails from Karnataka, where we speak a blend of Telugu and Kannada at home. Telugu, specifically, is my mother tongue. However, my ability to verbally communicate in this language was altered following my recovery from meningitis in 2004, which led to a loss of hearing. Despite this, I've embraced sign language as my primary means of communication. Sign language is not only a testament to our cognitive abilities but also a powerful tool that enhances our communication skills. Moreover, it opens doors to new opportunities, allowing us to connect with others and engage more fully in various aspects of life. Embracing sign language has enriched my interactions and enabled me to participate actively in society, despite the challenges I've faced. Let us recognize the importance of preserving and celebrating all languages, including sign language, as they are integral to our individual and collective identities. Happy International Mother Language Day. #diversityinclusion #language

Another publication just came out! Originally published as a special issue in the Journal of Postcolonial Writing in 2021, this volume of essays spotlights Malaysian literature in English in the postcolonial millennium, and is published by Routledge. Here's the book description: The literary developments in this new millennium have been substantial and are reflected in the production of new voices, viewpoints, themes, trends, styles, and forms. By articulating these changing postcolonial perspectives and conditions, the chapters in this volume can inform and enrich the study of nation, society, and culture in a globalized and hyperreal age. Tapping into the difference, diversity, and hybridity of 21st-century historicized and glocalized multicultural Malaysia, the millennium writings explore the changing identities and relations and their social, cultural, and political dimensions through the intersections of race, gender, sexuality, and class. By examining new, different, or changing ideas, forms, themes, and representations, this book considers the vital ways the millennium voices and viewpoints can potentially help us critically rethink and resituate postcolonial studies on Malaysia as they spotlight challenges and new directions in the field. If anyone is interested, here's the link: https://lnkd.in/gk8ey7dN #MalaysianLiteratureinEnglish

Innovations Inspired by Kiswahili Language and Culture Kiswahili, with its rich heritage and cultural significance, has inspired numerous innovations across various fields. Here are some notable examples: 1. Swahili AI and Language Processing :   - Google Translate: Incorporating Kiswahili, Google Translate has made it easier for millions to communicate and access information in their native language.   - AI-Powered Language Apps: Apps like Duolingo and Babbel have added Kiswahili courses, promoting language learning globally. 2. Education and E-Learning Platforms :   - Ubongo : An innovative educational platform creating fun, localized educational content for children, integrating Kiswahili to make learning accessible and enjoyable.   - Shule Direct: Provides digital learning resources in Kiswahili for students and teachers in Tanzania, enhancing educational outcomes. 3. Tourism and Cultural Experiences :   - Swahili Coast Tourism : Promotes the rich cultural heritage of the Swahili coast, blending history, language, and traditional practices to create unique tourist experiences.   - Cultural Festivals : Events like the Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) celebrate Kiswahili culture, attracting global audiences and fostering cultural exchange. These innovations highlight the dynamic influence of Kiswahili on technology, education and tourism, illustrating how a rich linguistic and cultural heritage can drive creativity and progress. Carolyne Ogake Momanyi Dorsila Ogola Amos Njiraini Mark Mutugi James Owino Bernice Namulekhwa Wangeci Kaingi Hazel Kipsanai Peter Kariuki #kiswahiliinnovations #culturalheritage #languagetechnology #edtech #digitalmedia #swahiliculture #enuakijanaafrika #globalimpact

📌 Top 11 most spoken languages in ASEAN 🇮🇩 Indonesian is the most spoken language in ASEAN, but uniquely most of its speakers speak it as second language since almost all indoneasians speak their own regional languages. Which means almost all indonesians can speak 2 languages (their regional language and indonesian as the lingua franca). Indonesian is also taught in other countries, especially in 🇦🇺 Australia where indonesian is an elective foreign language subject in australian schools. Some universities in other countries also offer indonesian language either as a major or a course. Including Harvard University that offers course of indonesian language. 🇮🇩 Indonesian and 🇮🇩🇲🇾🇧🇳🇸🇬 Malay are almost identical. The speakers of these two languages can understand each other. The linguists argue that these two languages are the same language. But still we have to respect 🇮🇩 Indonesia and indonesians that have chosen "indonesian" as the name of their language. In the end indonesian is indonesian. Malay is malay. Note: This list is based on total speakers. Some may be wondering why indonesian only has 199 million speakers meanwhile Indonesia's population is 277 million people. The answer is it depends on the methology used by Ethnologue.com that created this ranking. Maybe they only counted the fluent speakers. #languages #indonesian #asean