THE Malay language is often described as the national language, a unifying force, and even the soul of the nation.
Yet, in an era shaped by globalisation and the dominance of English, its position continues to face significant challenges. This tension becomes especially evident when we consider the experience of international students who pursue their studies in our country.
The pressing question is: do they genuinely value the language or do they regard it merely as a compulsory requirement to meet before graduation?
In reality, international students enrolling in Malaysian institutions of higher learning are required to take a basic Malay language course. The aim is to help them connect more meaningfully with the local culture and community.
However, not all approach it with an open mind. Some view it merely as an “additional subject,” much like how many of us once felt when required to learn a third language in secondary school; we studied it out of obligation, not genuine interest.
Even so, this should not be misunderstood. Many international students genuinely show interest in mastering Malay. They study diligently, complete their assignments and even attempt to converse, though their accents may sound somewhat awkward.
We who listen often smile, yet inside we feel proud. Imagine a student from Nigeria, China or Egypt suddenly greeting you with “Apa khabar?” or saying “Terima kasih” in their foreign accent, surely that is a mark of respect for our language.
Yet herein lies the greatest challenge. Most of them learn Malay in order to pass exams, to ease academic matters, or simply because it is compulsory. In simple terms, they learn out of obligation, not out of love.
This is not surprising. Some of us also feel more comfortable speaking in English even among family, perceiving it as more “classy” or “international.” How can we persuade the world to recognise the worth of the Malay language when we ourselves hesitate to embrace it?
Language scholar Professor Awang Sariyan once reminded us that Malay should not be seen merely as a tool for daily communication but must be elevated as a language of civilisation, one that carries knowledge, culture, and the dignity of the nation.
The challenge, however, lies in how we can instil that spirit in foreign students who only reside in Malaysia for a few years. Perhaps the time has come to rethink our approach. Malay should not be confined to lecture halls, textbooks and assignments. The language needs to be brought to life through real experiences.
Imagine international students being welcomed to village feasts, taught to play traditional games like ‘congkak’ or ‘gasing’ or taken to watch a traditional theatre performance. In doing so, they are not merely learning grammar but also experiencing the living heartbeat of the culture embedded in the language.
Such encounters leave a far deeper impression than the completion of written tasks alone. Here, the attitude of the local community is equally crucial. If locals themselves hesitate to use Malay and instead default to English when interacting with international students, how can these students ever strengthen their command of the language?
The truth is, a language will only be respected when its own speakers respect it. If our society is more comfortable prioritising English in all formal affairs, then it is no wonder that international students see Malay as merely a secondary option.
Wasn’t Za’ba right when he said that language was the soul of a nation? If this soul weakens, then the identity of the nation itself collapses. Nonetheless, we must not be too pessimistic. Malay still has its advantages. It is one of the world’s major languages with hundreds of millions of speakers in Southeast Asia.
Imagine if international students return home with even a modest command of the language, in fact, they carrying Malaysia’s name and the Malay world onto the international stage. This potential is immense, provided we are wise in shaping their experiences here.
Herein lies our responsibility. Malay must not remain confined to textbooks but should be elevated into daily life. If international students see it being used in official affairs, mainstream media, and even shopping malls, they will be more convinced that the language truly holds value.
But if they see locals themselves lacking confidence in Malay, they too will wonder, “If Malaysians themselves are not proud of their language, why should I care?” The same situation can be observed in several other countries.
Take France, for example. Despite the growing dominance of English, the French remain steadfast in upholding their language in all formal domains. This unwavering stance has ultimately earned them the respect of outsiders.
This is precisely the spirit we should emulate the courage to place our own language in an honourable position. This does not mean rejecting foreign languages; rather, it is about ensuring that Malay stands at the forefront, with other languages serving as valuable complements.
National Laureate Professor Emeritus Muhammad Haji Salleh once remarked that language was the vessel of knowledge and the soul of a nation. If we fail to channel knowledge through Malay, the language will remain merely as decoration. His words are especially relevant when we discuss international students.
If Malay courses only offer basic vocabulary without connecting it to their fields of study, the language will certainly appear less relevant. Why not teach engineering students technical terms in Malay?
Or economics students the local financial terminology? In this way, Malay will not only be a conversational tool but also a language of knowledge that instills confidence. We must also have the courage to innovate.
The teaching of Malay can be enriched with modern technology such as mobile applications, interactive games or digital content that resonates with younger generations. We should not rely solely on traditional methods.
If international students spend more time on social media, then Malay must also have a strong, engaging presence there. This is our challenge, to adapt the times. Ultimately, the issue of Malay among international students is not merely about them but is a reflection of ourselves.
The way we uphold our language is the way they will value it. If we are confident in the beauty of our language, God willing, others will be too.
Malay cannot remain a “guest” in its own homeland. It must be the dignified host, charming, authoritative and respected by anyone who visits. International students are simply mirrors reflecting how we ourselves treat the language. If we want them to appreciate it, then we must first cultivate pride within ourselves.
- Nasrol Hadi Ahmad Shukeri is the coordinator of Elective Language Courses, International Language Unit, Centre for Languages, Civilisation and Philosophy, Universiti Utara Malaysia.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune. The writer can be reached at rajlira@gmail.com.
