Saleh (2016), Rebecca (2016) and Ramiza and Peter (2013) have published an article respectively on the study of the lack in English proficiency among Malaysian graduates. These studies aimed to provide further evidence on the problems of poor command of English among Malaysian graduates. The studies reveal that the low level of English proficiency in a jobseeker instantly puts the person in a disadvantaged position (Rebecca, 2016). Although the local graduates have done well academically but language proficiency and communication skills seem to be competitive factors to secure jobs (Ramiza & Peter, 2013). The research result agreed with the revelation since a Jobstreet.com survey in 2013 found that 55 per cent of senior managers and companies …show more content…
Graduates also need higher English proficiency for job-related tasks and also to express themselves clearly and fluently. It is because English is the world lingua franca. Furthermore, the authors are studying on the factors that cause the decline in English proficiency among Malaysian graduates which are included the little attention is given on the language, the use of English does not happen at surroundings, English is not spoken all over Malaysia with equal frequency, English language is not compulsory to be passed in examinations and the English teachers are not able to encourage learners to use second language for oral communication outside the classroom. The factors mentioned are logic and relevant, however the authors have not listed out the research or data that could support their ideas. Despite that, the ways suggested to improve the English proficiency among Malaysian graduates are critic and practicable. In summary, the three articles have shown the importance of higher English proficiency, factors and effects of the lack of English proficiency among Malaysian graduates and ways to overcome it. However, it has to be conceded that the current studies are still far from being conclusive. Further studies should be undertaken, better research should be conducted, and more samples should be considered to improve our understanding concerning the issue of the lack of English proficiency among Malaysian
To begin with, using Standard English is a great way to succeed in the workforce. Whether it is a corporate, retail or food service job it conveys education and intelligence. It shows you have the ability to express yourself clearly. When you talk people will pay attention to you and what you’re saying rather than being distracted by your poor grammar. For example, when I went for a job interview at Foot Locker I was hired on the spot for the way I spoke and carried myself. The hiring manager was impressed with the way I answered each question. It was said in such a sophisticated manner that it set me apart from the other candidates who applied for the same job. You do not have a second chance at a first impression. Poor English skills can make a bad first impression. It conveys that you are poorly educated or simply do not care. In my case it can make the difference of whether you get hired for a job or not. A...
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). English as a Second Language (ESL). Limited English Proficiency (LEP). English Language Learners (ELL). All of these are programs for students who did not learn English as their first language. Every day, students face many different challenges while going to school. Some struggle to grasp the concepts of math. Some struggle to manage their time wisely. Many struggle to get up in the morning. Many also struggle to fit in. But many of these struggles would be a little easier for those who have learned English as their first language. Those who did not, juggle learning English while trying to learn new concepts that are taught in English. It starts to sound like a catch 22, which is part of the
A job applicant with a university education level, skills, and experience may not be considered for a position due to their poor command of the required language. This is especially for those jobs that involve dealing with customers directly. Again, unable to express oneself in the workplace language during the interview may make the interviewing body doubt the applicant’s certification. Literacy skills (both cognitive ability and language) partly explain the immigrants’ higher unemployment and lower earnings rates. Keeping customers happy through satisfying their needs is the primary aim of every organization.
Therefore, having limited English skills in speech or writing can have a short or long term effect on an individual’s self-esteem and opportunities. Judgment should not be placed nor should one’s worth or potential be judged based off of test scores or stereotypical sayings. Society plays a major role in what its citizens of today think of each other. Therefore, it is up to society to educate individuals who place judgment on those who have limited English skills. Individual’s with limited and temporary ability to speak or write, should not measure that individuals potential in life nor limit his/her opportunities.
As our nation shifts towards a more culturally diverse population both educators and families have to find a common ground to ensure that English Language Learners are academically successful. All stakeholders must carefully consider the social cultural impact on an ELL education. The process of raising bilingual learners take more than a language a school and a language learned at home. The transition must have a purpose and a goal.
Education is very important for all country including Malaysia. Our country takes serious for education to produce society who can develop all aspects in our countries. Along with the ICT development, our government intend to create citizen with good English language-skill. In order to achieve it, a new education policy called PPSMI was introduced and hoping that English can be integrated more into education. Even though this new policy is good but what can be seen, the lack of PPSMI has overcome all the benefits of PPSMI. Many people do not agree to the implementation of PPSMI. There are disadvantages of using English language to teach Mathematics and Science the effect to Malaysia language, lower student achievement and increase a lot of cost to education.
Studying in the United States (US) is a dream of many international students in the world. However, every dream has its price. If international students want to study in the US, they have to overcome the first barrier and also the most difficult one. It is the English barrier. It is the most challenging problem that international students always have to face when they study in the US. There are three reasons that make English becomes the barrier. Firstly, English is just the international students’ second language. Secondly, the differences in the culture make it more difficult to overcome. Lastly, the fear of speaking English in front of others is the main factor that creates the language barrier.
Experiencing those days where people would laugh at other for the broken English; the grammar and pronunciation are the toughest parts of the language. People with English as a second language always stumble upon difficulties; however, the determination of learning a new language do not decrease easily as the motivation is still surrounding one’s mind. Today, English has become an international communication; even the teaching and learning of the language has already spread throughout the world. English is known as one of the most common use language and has been offering classes everywhere for years especially around Asia; additionally, the world common language has now become the number one language uses in every fields of career that is being offer everywhere. Non-American students should be required to take English class as a second language in school
This section of the chapter focuses on the importance of the English language in Thailand; the reforms related to English proficiency improvement and their challenges; and the English language skills competencies of Thai public servants.
People live in the world of communication. According to the Oxford Dictionary of Current English (Moore, 1997), communication is defined as, “The activity or process of expressing ideas and feelings or of giving people information”. The significance of communication can be found within the context of a human existing as a social being. As a human being manages his or her life in the course of the interaction between other members of the entire society, communication is inevitable. Communication occurs through the medium of a language and it is presented in two different forms which are written and spoken (Brown & Yule, 1983: 1-10). The importance of spoken performance of a language is becoming more prominent over the written performance capability. It is because the ability to speak a language reflects a person’s personality, self image, knowledge of the world, ability to reason, skill to express thoughts in real-time (Luoma, 2004: ix). These days, due to the global trend of internationalisation, the ability to communicate in English is needed as an essential skill. Whenever the international exchange happens, the use of spoken English entails. However, it is not always an easy task for people who use English as a second language to be able to speak to the level of a native speaker. They have to perfectly understand the sound system of English, have almost instant access to proper vocabulary and be able to place words together intelligibly without hesitation. Moreover, they also have to perceive what is being said to them and need to be able to respond appropriately to acquire amiable relations or to accomplish their communicative goals (Luoma, 2004: ix). Therefore, non-native English speakers encounter these barriers and they are subject to make mistakes often. In relation to this matter, this essay argues that there are socio-cultural factors as well as linguistic factors that affect non-native speakers’ communication in English. It provides analysis of several different situations when the use of spoken English has generated miscommunication problems in regards to author’s personal experience.
Currently in Malaysia, communication skills play the fundamental role at workplace situations. In communication the most important area is oral communication skills in English language which all graduates should possess to guarantee that they can Communicate fluently at workplaces. If they could not communicate well in their respective workplaces, then they might face difficulties like low self-confidence, poor relationship with colleagues and so on. This essay examines the issue of oral communication at workplaces and the solutions are improving English education system at high school levels, enhancing the confidence level of newly entrants
...ncements in their current employment. Over all, a good English education will help with enhancing a person’s life.
Platt, J. & Weber, H. (1980). English in Singapore and Malaysia: Status, Features, Functions. Kuala Lumpur: Oxford University Press
A course in English for Specific Purposes (ESP) will enhance English language training and an engineering student’s communication skills. It will also aid in the globalisation of education and the internationalisation of practicing engineers. The concept of ESP achieves more in the education of engineering student s by focusing the learner’s attention on the particular terminology and communication skills required in the professional field. While English is currently a prime language in facilitating communication between international cultures, particularly intercontinental, the increasing growth of regional languages indicates that native English speakers need to learn additional and communication skills, preferably in at least one of the regional tongues. In this case, monolingualism is likely to be an impediment for future graduate engineers in a world where intraregional connections provide stepping stones to facilitating
As for the spelling and pronunciation, Malaysians are exposed to both American and British English through the influence of media, such as television channels and radio stations. There are even various English newspapers in Malaysia to choose from. Educational institutions also differ with the type of English they use, be it American English or British English. Students who stay abroad or study in English countries bring back the language they have learned and spoken there to Malaysia. Thus, spelling and pronunciation differences occur, sometimes causing confusion.