Understanding these challenges, we propose several methods to invigorate interest in learning Chinese language among Singaporean youths.įirst, initiatives that aim to increase the appeal of Chinese language and culture should keep pace with the modern tastes of tech-savvy Generation Z. Worse, the difficulty of mastering a second language could further dampen the motivation in Singapore’s competitive academic environment. We posit that practical economic interests may not be an effective incentive for youths to learn Chinese they may be too young to fully appreciate its utility. How about the increasing relevance of Mandarin against the backdrop of China’s rapid rise as an economic superpower, and Singapore’s efforts to promote bilingualism? The IPS research paper said this result “seems to suggest our youngest cohorts are potentially more exposed to English-speaking households, environments, and media in line with our globalised economy and have lowered exposure to Mandarin contexts”. The foundations for bilingual competencies of our youths should be built at a young age. The survey found that the percentage of Chinese here who can speak Mandarin well or very well has improved in recent years for four different age groups above 26.īut for those aged 18-25, the percentage of those who said they were proficient in Mandarin dropped from 85 per cent in 2013 to 83 per cent in 2018.Īs youths passionate about Mandarin proficiency and bilingualism, we find the research results worrying.īilingualism is integral to the global competitiveness of our workforce. One finding in the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS)’s survey on race, religion and language published last month caught our eye.
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