Malaysia: Malaysia's multilingual character should be regarded as a national asset that strengthens the country's shared identity and broadens opportunities, rather than as an impediment to national unity.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, writer and cultural heritage advocate Dr. Lee Su Kim emphasized that Malaysians' ability to move naturally between languages, including the informal English variety known as 'Manglish', reflects a shared experience shaped by the country's diverse communities. Lee noted this is particularly evident in everyday interactions, where Malaysians frequently switch between languages and incorporate words, expressions, and speech patterns from their respective vernaculars.
Dr. Lee, who is also the founding president of the Peranakan Baba Nyonya Association of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor (PPBNKLS), stated that code-switching is a natural feature of Malaysian society, with people moving between languages depending on their emotions, company, and circumstances. She explained that this code-switching is an outcome and everyday expression of unity, though not a deliberate or conscious one.
Lee further highlighted the growing international recognition of World Englishes, particularly since the 1990s, which has contributed to greater acceptance of Manglish as a distinct variety of English shaped by Malaysia's linguistic environment. Her collections on Manglish emphasize its uniqueness as an identity marker of Malaysians.
However, Lee cautioned that declining English proficiency, the predominance of social media, and growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) could limit creativity and resourcefulness in Manglish. The broader issue extends to Malaysia's linguistic heritage, which comprises 137 languages and diverse traditions.
Dr. Lee urged Malaysians to build on their multilingual capabilities rather than view proficiency in different languages as competing interests. She emphasized the importance of celebrating and capitalizing on the multilingual advantage as a unique position.
Meanwhile, Prof. Stephen J. Hall, who has worked extensively in ASEAN and at Sunway University, stressed that bilingualism and multilingualism are normal features of Malaysian society and should be recognised as part of the country's cultural strength. He advocated for the celebration of Malaysia's skill in both mother tongues and dialects, without viewing proficiency in the national language or international languages as a detriment.
Hall pointed out that maintaining English proficiency, upholding the national language, and supporting community languages are crucial for sustaining Malaysia's multilingual strength. He noted that 70% of Malaysia's 137 languages are endangered, and language proficiency has economic implications by widening access to opportunities.
In education, Hall called for a shift towards language learning and communication, with emphasis on communication as a crucial 21st-century skill. He stressed the need for a balance in education between bilingualism and multilingualism, supporting fluency in English, Malay, Mandarin, Tamil, and community languages.
Hall also highlighted concerns over the influence of AI and online material on writing standards, advocating for critical consumption and original thought supported by multilingual resources. He emphasized the importance of sustaining Malaysia's multilingual capability through education to ensure participation both nationally and globally.
In summary, experts assert that Malaysia's linguistic diversity, when nurtured alongside a shared national identity, can serve as a bridge between communities and a source of cultural, social, and economic strength.