Avoid 'Bahasa Indonesia' in Exams, BM Teacher Urges Students – Here's Why!
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – A Bahasa Melayu (BM) teacher, known as Cikgu Gja, has sparked a discussion among students and parents after advising her pupils to avoid using Bahasa Indonesia (BI) in their BM examinations. Her advice, shared widely on social media, has generated both agreement and some confusion. But what’s the reasoning behind this seemingly straightforward instruction?
Cikgu Gja’s core message revolves around the importance of demonstrating a strong command of Bahasa Melayu, the official language of Malaysia. While Bahasa Indonesia and Bahasa Melayu share significant linguistic similarities, they are distinct languages with their own nuances, vocabulary, and grammatical structures. Using BI in a BM exam, she argues, doesn't accurately reflect a student's understanding and proficiency in the intended language.
“The purpose of the exam is to assess your BM skills, not your BI skills,” Cikgu Gja explained in her online post. “Mixing the two languages can lead to misunderstandings, incorrect grammar, and ultimately, a lower score. It’s crucial to focus on using correct BM vocabulary and sentence structures.”
Why the Confusion? The Linguistic Link
The confusion stems from the historical and geographical proximity of Malaysia and Indonesia. Both languages evolved from Old Malay and share a common ancestor, resulting in considerable overlap in vocabulary and grammar. This shared heritage makes it easy for speakers of one language to understand the other, but it also presents a challenge when it comes to demonstrating proficiency in a specific language.
Many students, especially those living near the Malaysia-Indonesia border, are naturally exposed to both languages. While this exposure can be beneficial for communication, it's vital to recognize the differences and use each language appropriately, particularly in formal settings like examinations.
Beyond the Exam Room: Promoting BM Fluency
Cikgu Gja’s advice extends beyond just exam performance. She emphasizes the importance of actively promoting and preserving the use of Bahasa Melayu in daily life. “BM is a vital part of our national identity,” she stated. “We need to ensure that our younger generation is fluent and confident in using it.”
This sentiment aligns with ongoing efforts by the Malaysian government and educational institutions to strengthen the teaching and usage of BM. Initiatives include promoting BM literature, encouraging the use of BM in media and technology, and providing resources for students to improve their BM skills.
Parental and Student Reactions
The response to Cikgu Gja’s advice has been largely positive, with many parents expressing their support for her message. Some students, however, have voiced concerns about the difficulty of distinguishing between the two languages, especially when under exam pressure.
Experts suggest that students can improve their BM fluency by actively reading BM books, watching BM movies and TV shows, and engaging in conversations with native BM speakers. Regular practice and a conscious effort to use correct BM vocabulary and grammar can make a significant difference.
Ultimately, Cikgu Gja’s advice serves as a valuable reminder of the importance of linguistic awareness and the need to prioritize the use of Bahasa Melayu in formal settings. It’s a call to action for students, parents, and educators to work together to ensure the continued vitality and prominence of Malaysia’s national language.