Malay language and culture appreciation programmes for foreign students need a more proactive planning because these programmes offer a great opportunity for promoting the country’s cultural heritage, may improve intercultural understanding, and may strengthen international relations. Therefore, in academic context, universities are a suitable medium to carry out this effort, by means of offering a Malay language and culture course or programme for foreign students that cover the learning of language, social, and culture among others.

In this era of globalization, foreign cultures may be more influential than local cultures. This has been caused by the local communities being exposed to foreign cultures through various means such as the mass media, technology, and also international migration. Consequently, the values and uniqueness of the local cultures and languages are less appreciated. The impact is that foreign students in Malaysia are also influenced by foreign cultures presently dominant. While they are assimilating themselves in the Malaysian local culture, they may have discovered that the local communities are also influenced by foreign cultures, which have caused a difficulty in understanding and acclimatizing with the true local culture. This may also influence their integration in the local community and their overall learning.

For example, the learning of Bahasa Melayu among foreign students may be affected due to the use of mix language and slangs by the local students. The use of words such as korang, kiteorang, diorang, pancit, mekasih and many more will retard the language learning process among foreign students.

Therefore, to overcome the perception that the local culture and language is not appreciated, a holistic and coordinated approach is greatly needed. For example, education and awareness of language and culture among the local community regarding the values and uniqueness of the local culture and language, making active efforts to promote and sustain the local culture and language through festivals, cultural events, and community activities. In addition, international integration and dialogues also lead to a better appreciation between foreign students and the local communities to understand each other and appreciate each other’s culture and language.

In academic context, universities and colleges play an important role to nourish collaborations with educational institutions locally or overseas, rulers or governments, and local communities to expand programmes and initiatives that support the local culture and language. These programmes need adequate resources, including competent teaching staff and fund for language and cultural activities. Therefore, there is a need for cooperation between educational institutions and government agencies to ensure the programme’s sustainability. In addition, universities need to conduct studies on Malay language and culture and gather documentation that can be used as learning resources. Such research may also be published to the world’s knowledge of the Malay language and culture.

All parties have a comprehensive role in promoting the appreciation of the Malay language and culture among foreign students. With adequate fund, academic programme development, cultural activities, research, facilitator support, and international collaborations, universities can ensure that foreign students not only learn but also appreciate and value the uniqueness of the Malay cultural heritage. This not only enriches the experiences of foreign students but also strengthens the reputation of universities as a learning centre that is prestigious and inclusive.

The Terengganu’s Cultural Exploration for Students from China programme from 13 – 17 May co-organized by USM and UMT presented opportunities for language and cultural collaborations at the international level.

Original version in Malay by:

Dr. Mazlina Ahmad

Lecturer (Malay Language)

Department of Languages and Communication

Centre for Fundamental and Continuing Education

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu

and

Dr. Radhiah Ismail
Lecturer (Spanish Language)

Department of Languages and Communication

Centre for Fundamental and Continuing Education

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu

English translation by:

Office of Corporate Communications

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu