Introduction
Brunei is a Southeast Asian country that has long placed pride in itself as being a bilingual society that accords official status to both Malay and English. However, the claims made by Salbrina (2020) regarding the increasing preference for English among young Bruneians pose pertinent questions about the future of bilingualism in the country. This essay critically examines the plausible threats against Brunei’s bilingual status, looking into the risk that English would take over first place for the Malay language in general but, more specifically, for Brunei-Malay.
The Youth and the Dominance of English
The fact that English is taking the place of Brunei Malay means that the issue identified by Sabrina becomes very critical. The fact that younger informants are more likely to prefer English or code-switching than older ones may indicate that Bruneian society is experiencing a generational change in preferences for which language. There is a pull of English, and it stands to be a stronger player on the world stage in terms of education, science, and technology; the more nuanced question then becomes whether this transition fails the litmus test for the long-term viability of a bilingual Brunei identity.
Bilingualism under Threat?
The question of how much of an under-threat situation the recent history of Brunei as a bilingual nation, as it stands at present, is really in. Bilingualism represents a moving target of changes that have accrued over the years. Clearly, one of these dynamics is the dominance of English among the youth, but it becomes crucial to delve further in an attempt to flesh out the subtlety of the dynamics involved.
Factors Leading to English Being More Dominant
The rising inclination of young Bruneians regarding the use of English points towards a number of elements. First is globalization, which has once again reinforced the role of English as the lingua franca with regard to international business, science, and technology. Indeed, going around the world looking for economic and educational activities abroad has made English knowledge more valuable.
Another influencing solid factor is the effect of media, mainly digital, since the pull of its exposure Bruneian youth has gotten through to English language media content. Indeed, the preferences of many, from social media to entertainment venues, where English tends to be dominant, have contributed toward the normalization and preferred use of the language.
The policies put in place also come in handy. The youth are going to have greater language preference if the system puts in measures such as having a greater significance of a global language than Malay in educational establishments. The preferences will have more relevance if they ensure that English equals economic success.
Bilingualism as an Asset
Of course, it makes a pointed rise of English, but then the fact that it is essential to acknowledge that bilingualism, rather than posing a single problem, is one of the major bases of strength. Mastery in Malay and English gives an individual very versatile competence, which may ideally equip them to learn in local as well as global contexts. Competence in Brunei Malay and English language offers the individual an aspect of cultural flexibility and competence, therefore having a comparative advantage in the world area.
The Importance of Malay for Brunei’s Identity
The Malay language, in particular Brunei Malay, is a treasure for the history and culture of the state. It is spoken to serve as the symbol of people’s nationality, how people relate to themselves by way of history and heritage. Hence, if the use of the Brunei Malay language deteriorates, it will result in something more than a loss of linguistic diversity; it will bring with it a reduced cultural identity among the people of Brunei.
Preservation Efforts in Bilingualism
In order to understand the trend in bilingualism, there is a need to consider the efforts directed towards the preservation and promotion of both languages. Apparently, education is a determinant of great importance in the creation of linguistic preferences, and through bilingual education, policies that will lessen any potentialities of linguistic imperialism on English can be put into place. The inclusion of Brunei Malay in the education curriculum through literature, history, and art would perpetuate this cultural significance.
Such efforts for the conservation of the language should be unrestricted within four walls of educational institutions. There is an immense need for more community-level programs, cultural activities, and media efforts that could make the population of Brunei feel proud of and have a sense of belongingness to their mother tongue. By promoting the awareness of both Malay and English languages, the society would then inculcate together the value of bilingualism.
Globalization, English, and Cultural Sensitivity
Although it may be globalization that gives English an edge, it does not necessarily have to spell a death knell for Brunei Malay. Proficient English can be arrived at without it necessarily having to come at the expense of either maintaining or strengthening the Malay language. It is from this background that countries around the world have remained competitive in relation to the dictates of globalization while still being consistent with their roots.
This balance is achievable only through inculcating cultural sensitivity and awareness in themselves, on the one hand, and self-preservation for the national identity on the other. All this respects the inherent value of Brunei Malay in maintaining and preserving the national identity.
Conclusion
In short, Salbrina’s argument is illustrative of the growing prevalence of English among young Bruneians, not necessarily a fatal symbol for the death of bilingualism in the country. The very fluidity of the environment of language preference and potential gains from bilingualism allow an optimistic view that Brunei can manage this linguistic transition effectively. In essence, national education policies should be based on the issue of salvaging the Brunei Malay dialect through community efforts, an act inspired both by cultural identity and nationalism. Nevertheless, to optimize the benefits that flow from knowledge of English, minus those that connote a loss in richness and diversity, is easier said than done, for it means that now and tomorrow, Brunei is going to be pertinent and practical only as long as it is able to become one with this realization to reach viable and acceptable solutions.
References
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