MATHS N SCIENCE WILL NO LONGER BE IN ENGLISH

This is my lastest entry at Goodreads discussion group "Goodreads Malaysia" which I thought is worth noting and sharing here.

"My, this thread is hot....There many pros and cons no doubt but what surprises me is the blacklisting of GR by Malaysian "Schoolnet". This is a typical stance of people who find themselves in a position unable to raise a rational discourse to the defence of their actions. They have a tendency to either shut other people up or out.......For this reason Indonesia, has overtaken Malaysia in it's students and scholars being more articulate. Talk to their taxi drivers, you'd know what I mean."

"I think many had missed an important point. Maths and Science are technical subjects. They are best dealt with in a language that is concise, precise and well used in the international arena. There are a few languages that fit this and BI is the most apt for Malaysia. BTW, in this matter India has now left Malayasia way behind in this area, internationally speaking. What better way is there than to begin teaching the subjects as early as possible?"

"I do not think it difficult for kids to learn a second or even a third language. You cannot underestimate them.You need to get the right method. Why do urban kids fair better in BI? How can one ensure better use of BI in rural areas? How did India deal with this?"

"Firstly there has been this realization that English has genuinely become a language of great prestige in the Indian society. English has acquired a prominent place in the hearts of millions of Indians who seek better jobs. They too realised how poor the BI was in their rural areas. In fact they had more challenges like the caste system and prejudice to overcome."

"Decisions regarding the medium of instruction and other official language policies depend on the interpretation of this concept. More often than not, mother tongue becomes more a political idea than a linguistic construct or concept. Mother tongue becomes a rallying point for groups of people to unite and express their solidarity more as a political entity. Whilst India has acknowledged like 16 languages as it's official language in various states, they have included BI along with a couple more as the medium of education."

"Here we are not able to handle and deal with BM and BI. Shame on us!