Negotiating between Nationalist and Globalization Agendas: Lessons from the Divergent Paths of Singapore and Malaysia
Negotiating between Nationalist and Globalization Agendas: Lessons from the Divergent Paths of Singapore and Malaysia
In this chapter, the historical development of bilingual education policy and practice in Singapore will first be outlined. In particular, with regard to the bilingual education policy in Singapore which underscores the development of both the English language and the heritage languages, we discuss how it has gradually become a weak form of bilingual education. The heritage languages are merely maintained as a subject while all other subjects are taught in English. Implications of this weak form of bilingual education for other Southeast Asian contexts are discussed. Then the historical development of bilingual education policy and practice in Malaysia is outlined. The tension between nationalist agendas and practical responses to globalization forces is discussed in the context of how LIE policy and practice have gone on a zigzag route in Malaysia. Some implications of the experiences of Singapore and Malaysia for other Southeast Asian contexts are discussed.
Keywords: English language, Heritage languages, Nationalist agendas, Globalization, Bilingual education, Malaysia, Singapore
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