Singapore - Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew will publish a new book detailing Singapore`s language change, policy and education.
It will include analysis and undisclosed archives of students` results from the Education Ministry.
"One People. One Language. Different Mother Tongue" is the working title of MM Lee`s new book which will explore bilingualism in Singapore.
It is a follow up to his first book, released in 2005, which describes his experiences of learning the Chinese Language.
"MM is concerned that now we are moving towards an English-speaking society, which is very successful, ... we will lose our mother tongue," said Dr Chua Chee Lay, editor of Mr Lee`s new book.
The new book will trace the evolution of language use over the last 42 years.
100,000 copies in English and Chinese will be launched next August. It could even be translated into Malay and Tamil.
It will feature in-depth study of language education here in Singapore, with a 10-year analysis of students` results (A Levels, O Levels and PSLE) from 1997. This will help shed light on a student`s learning abilities and challenges.
It also aims to discuss the successes and failures of Singapore`s language policy.
Unlike Mr Lee`s previous book, about 33% of the new book will be devoted to public feedback. Those who wish to contribute to the book can contact Dr Chua at clchua@cllab.net.
Heng Boey Hong, principal of Nanyang Primary School said: "I learned English at the same time I learned Chinese, but when it comes to my daughter`s turn, her English is better than mine. She speaks fluent Mandarin, but unfortunately she has lost the ability to converse in Teochew.
"I think this particular book that is going to be published will be very meaningful. It`s a timely reminder for parents to start our children`s learning of both languages young, and to start them as soon as possible."
The book will track the development of language education through relevant speeches by Mr Lee and key government officials.
It is also hoped that the new book will serve as a point of reference for other societies that are undergoing language change.
The publisher said MM Lee`s first book was very popular in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, and the upcoming one will build on that success and provide greater insight into the Singapore experience.
Source: www.channelnewsasia.com (27 September 2007)
