By : Siti Nur`Ain Feisal

Editor : Nik Hafzaini Nik Hassan 

20 October 2021 - In conjunction with the National Language Month, the Director of Alumni Relations Centre UPM (ARCUPM) was invited as a panel on Sayang Bahasa: Citra Keluarga Malaysia by Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) to discuss the importance for the national language, Bahasa Malaysia.

In the slot, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Arba’ie Sujud explained that national language is a blessing and a trust for us to manage the language.

Moreover, the language users need to know whether we are using the right language or not. As language users, we also need to understand the impact of the language we use on others. This is because language is one of the most effective communication tools and will give impact if you use it wrongly.

“October every year has been gazette as National Language Month. It does not mean on that particular month we need to use the language properly. October was a month for language appreciation. More important is how throughout the year we manage the language usage. October is just a date to celebrate but more importantly how we preserve the spirit of language. If we talk about language pollution, mass media is the most authorised medium. Today’s mass media is not only subjected to print and broadcasting, but social media as well. Some studies show only 27 per cent of users of the 'short messaging service' reread what was written before it was sent. This situation leads to errors in writing that can lead to errors in meaning as well as impact on the language itself. With the slogan “Bahasa Jiwa Bangsa”, it should be emphasized and expressed in the form of action. It needs to be firmly embedded our responsibility to cherish the gift of language.” He said.

He also added, UPM has conducted Language Competition in conjunction with National Language Month which was officiated by UPM Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Mohd Roslan Sulaiman. The competition is an effort to attract youth and student to appreciate national language.

Date of Input: 28/12/2021 | Updated: 04/01/2022 | suziana.wil