English oh English

“In schools now, students don’t speak the language for fear of being mocked for trying to be a “Mat Salleh”. The perception is that if you don’t speak Bahasa Melayu, you are not proud of being Malaysian. So they retreat and avoid speaking English.” Raja Zarith Sofiah Sultan Idris Shah, The Permaisuri of Johor
Source: New Straits Times Press

I truly agree with the above statement.

When I graduated in 2013, I have difficulties to land a job with multinational organizations. Most of the interviewers gave me the same feedback. They said that I had a good academic result (CGPA 3.6) and had been active in extra-curricular activities to the extent that I had been awarded Vice Chancellor award for being excellent in both areas. However, it's difficult for them to understand my English. They couldn't grasp the point from the ideas or the answer that I have presented to them. Yes, I have to admit that I have poor command in English. In fact, I cannot even form sentences properly. That has left me jobless for a few months.

I'm a product of the local education system. I spend my entire academic years locally, from Standard 1 - 6 (1985-90), then Form 1- 5 (1991-95), Diploma from 1996-99 and Bachelor's Degree 2000-2003. That's 18 years of studying in the 80s', 90's & early millennial Malaysia education system. I only practised English during English class. I was an English language learner but not an English language speaker. My English proficiency was not as good as my mother tongue i.e. Bahasa Malaysia (BM) even after 18 years of learning English.

Primary School

Lower Secondary School

Upper Secondary School

Diploma

Degree

It was hard for me to practice spoken English during that time due to few personal reasons, such as the normal excuses by certain quarters who fear that it could marginalize the use of BM. I personally have a negative belief that I would be mocked or ridiculed as trying to show off or worse, families and friends start to distance themselves from me. Fear of being mocked for trying to be a “Mat Salleh” is actually my main concern, considering the surrounding environment at that time.

So, how do I overcome this problem and improve my English speaking skills?

1. Since I was reluctant to speak in English with people around me, I train my brain to think in English. So my " inner thought" is done in English instead of BM. It's far easier to translate from English to BM than the other way around; and the words come out naturally from my mouth when I speak in either language.


2. I started attending job interviews but not expecting a job. My main intention that time was to get the opportunities to speak and improve my English proficiency. Then, I'll ask the interviewer about my proficiency. Yes, I received a few offers but I declined them nicely.


3. I always look for opportunities to practise English whenever possible but not with my close community. I talked to non-living things such as cats in English. Don't worry, I did this by being extra cautious that no one was looking and I can assure you that no creature was harmed in the process.


4. Read lots of newspapers, articles and any English write-up to improve my vocabulary and familiarize with the correct syntax used in constructing English sentences. Unfortunately, years or reading English magazines such as Hustler, Penthouse and Playboy do not really help much ;p .....


5. Listen to English songs and memorize the lyrics. It does help me to identify the basic grammar and rules for 's' or 'es'. It is also a fun way of learning.


6. Watch lots of English movies with English subtitles. Sometimes it's hard to know the words uttered by the actor, but when I read the subtitles, then I'll know what they are actually saying. Indirectly, this helps me to know the right choice of word to be used.


7. Tune in to Malaysian English language radio station so you can familiarize yourself with the daily conversation. Since 2009, my favorite radio station is BFM 89.9 - The Business Station. Besides the great choice of song, I also can listen to interesting interviews, technology and business insights.

Hopefully, this info would be beneficial for some readers (especially our local undergrads) who are still struggling to improve their proficiency in English. It works for me and after a few months of practising these steps, I secured a job with one of the best multinational company in Malaysia and was offered international travel as part of the job.