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Onus is on the Chinese community
By Chua Chim Kang
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There are two opposing views on the future of the Chinese language here.
One is rather pessimistic and people who subscribe to it are convinced that the declining standard of the Chinese language cannot be reversed. As the population ages, the ability of the people to read and engage in creative writing will also fall and be confined to the use of simpler and limited vocabulary. The Chinese language and Mandarin will become mere communication tools. The former will also lose its all-important role of cultural transmission.
At the other extreme is active optimism. In the wake of China's economic might and growing international influence, the use of Mandarin has become more widespread. The big picture is one of China opening up to the world and global investment pouring into the Chinese market. Some people believe Chinese Singaporeans can be expected to recognise the importance and enormous potential of the Chinese language.
Both groups have their reasons, and are entitled to their views. In fact, even the question of whether the command of the Chinese language of young people today is a far cry from the older generation is likely to elicit different opinions.
A close scrutiny of Chinese textbooks for primary and secondary schools here will show that the standard required of students has not been lowered. In fact, the trend suggests an increasingly higher demand. Then again, what the textbooks require students to do cannot be equated with how much has been achieved. Tough textbooks and examination questions will not necessarily produce intellectuals with a good mastery of the Chinese language.
This has led to the articulation of two contrasting opinions. One blames the authorities for setting unattainable standards and sapping the energy of students who cannot cope. The other, on the contrary, voices worry that with the Chinese language fast losing ground, there will be no worthy successors in future to carry the torch. (来源：老牌的英语学习网站 http://www.EnglishCN.com)
In terms of content and the way the Chinese language is taught, the choices offered here are probably the most carefully-designed and complex among Chinese communities anywhere in the world. The objective is to cater to pupils from diverse backgrounds, with varying degrees of abilities and interests. Moreover, parents also have different demands and expectations of how well their children should learn the Chinese language. Unfortunately, such differences have also contributed to the present predicament of the Chinese language.
To a large extent, how competent Chinese here are in the Chinese language depends on government policy on it. This has led indirectly to the notion that it is the government's responsibility to promote the Chinese language. For obvious political and other practical reasons, the government, however, cannot assume too active a role. This is understandable.
And parents who over-emphasise the economic value of education and the pursuit of high grades have, in fact, made the learning of the Chinese language an even more arduous task.
Spontaneous efforts from the Chinese community itself are probably the best way to provide the impetus for the learning of the Chinese language. But to many who are used to decades of passivity, this will probably seem like a formidable and thankless job.
The Chinese in Malaysia face an environment for learning the mother tongue that is quite the direct opposite of Singapore. While the government does not emphasise it, the Chinese community does its best to protect the language. The efforts have developed into a growing and dynamic force.
Once the force to safeguard the mother tongue and traditions has found a foothold, it has been able to play an effective role. As a non-dominant power seeking survival, the community also does not risk touching a raw nerve in other ethnic groups and can thus concentrate on promoting its own culture.
In transmitting, promoting and integrating the Chinese language and culture into the mainstream of the society, the efforts of the Malaysian Chinese community have certainly paid off.
As for Singapore, besides utilitarian concerns, the historical baggage due to political reasons remains a burden. But with changes in regional politics and the rise of China as an economic powerhouse, the Chinese language and Mandarin will gradually become critical for economic and trade purposes.
Which is why a rising number of people in the West are now seriously learning the Chinese language. So long as the Chinese community here can revive its love and passion for the Chinese language and culture, I believe that the Chinese language, with its growing practical value, will get a new lease of life.
（The writer is a leader writer with Lianhe Zaobao.Translated by Yap Gee Poh.)
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