10 Singaporean Malay Mothers' Language Planning for Their Preschool-Age Children

• In Event: Planning and Decision-Making Processes in Language and Linguistics

Abstract

Malay is the largest minority group in Chinese-dominant Singapore. The academic achievement gap between Malay and non-Malay students has been longstanding. In view of the close connection between language and academic performances, the researcher interviewed 10 Singaporean Malay mothers to explore their ideas, considerations, and practices in home language planning for their preschool-age children. The participants made different language plans for their children based on their individual circumstances and their reactions to the stressful Singapore education system. They also debunked the assumptions that undergird the government’s bilingual education policy that requires school-age children to learn English and a race-specific mother-tongue language. Recommendations for policy modifications were made.

Author

• CHEN-CHEN CHENG, National Kaohsiung Normal University