The Role And Importance Of Language In Nation Building

The Importance of English Language in Nation Building 

Language is a medium of communication, mirrors one’s identity and is an integral

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part of culture. Ngugi wa Thiongo referred to language as the soul of culture. Language functions as one of the most obvious markers of culture. People are often identified culturally primarily (and even solely) on the basis of the

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language they speak. Linguistic diversity becomes symbolic of cultural diversity. The maintenance or revitalization of language signals ongoing or renewed validity of

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the culture associated with that language. Language is a means of expression and allows a person to participate in community

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activities. Language policy plays a vital role in the process of democratic transition. Languages are also valuable as collective human accomplishments and on-going

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manifestations of human creativity and originality. Language can also be a source of power, social mobility and opportunities. Language has served both as a reason (or pretext) for brutal conflict, and as a touchstone of tolerance.

The Role of English Language in Nation Building (Economic Dimension) 

To enable people to access knowledge and information found in a great number of sources throughout the world since the English Language is a major vehicle through

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which knowledge and information are transmitted. The flow of foreign investments into a country like Malaysia depends not only on the relatively low cost of labour but also on their capability to communicate in English

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commensurate with the position or levels of employment they occupy. The role of English is further enhanced these days as Malaysia is committed to the idea of serving as a regional centre or hub for educational excellence which would attract foreign students to come and study here because of quality and affordability.

The Role of English Language in Nation Building (Socio-cultural Dimension)  

Help enrich the national language borrowing of scientific terms and expression. It should lend itself to supporting programmes of Malay-English and English-Malay translation, thereby, helping improve the Malay language and at the same time enhancing mutual understanding between users of the two languages in terms of

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precision of meaning in both languages. Through the translation of works in English into Malay, and vice-versa, there will be cultural and literacy enrichment on both sides.