Why Do Malaysians Speak Better English Than Indonesians?
As an Indonesian myself, I find it incorrect to say that Malaysians speak English better than Indonesians. However, there are indeed factors that make Malaysians more proficient in English compared to their Indonesian counterparts.
The Differences in English Proficiency
The differences in English proficiency between Malaysians and Indonesians can be attributed to several factors:
Historical Influence
Malaysia's historical connection with the British Empire played a significant role in the widespread adoption of English. Malaysia, as a former British colony, has a strong legacy of English as an essential language, particularly in education, government, and business. In contrast, Indonesia was under Dutch colonial rule, where Malay (later becoming Indonesian) was promoted as the national language. The British Empire's influence in Malaysia laid the foundation for English to become the primary language in various spheres of life.
Education System
English is a compulsory subject in Malaysian schools, and many schools use English as the medium of instruction, especially in urban areas. This consistent emphasis in the education system has led to a higher level of English proficiency. On the other hand, Indonesia's education system has historically focused more on Bahasa Indonesia, with English often taught as a foreign language. The effectiveness and emphasis on English in Indonesian education vary, and there are challenges in maintaining proficiency levels.
Cultural Exposure
Malaysia's diverse population, with significant exposure to English-language media such as television, films, and the internet, provides ample opportunities for language improvement. Indonesia also has access to English media, but the prevalence and integration of English into daily life are generally stronger in Malaysia. This increased exposure helps in improving language skills across the board.
Economic Factors
Malaysia's economy, with a higher degree of globalization, leads to more interactions with English-speaking countries and international business environments. This context encourages the use of English in professional settings, contributing to a broader and deeper understanding of the language. Indonesia, while recognizing the importance of English, has not been as deeply integrated into the global economy, leading to less frequent and extensive use of the language in daily interactions.
Language Policy
The Malaysian government has actively promoted English language learning as part of its national policy, recognizing its importance in global communication and trade. Indonesia, while also seeing the benefits of English, has had more varied and less consistent policies regarding English education. This inconsistency can lead to varying levels of proficiency and fluency among different segments of the population.
Conclusion
While Indonesia has a variant of Malay, Malay (which later became Bahasa Indonesia), as a national language, this does not necessarily equate to better English proficiency among the population. Malaysians view English as a vital tool in their daily lives and professional career growth, leading to a higher standard of proficiency. The cultural, historical, and economic factors mentioned above contribute to the higher level of English proficiency among Malaysians compared to Indonesians.
It's important to note that language proficiency is a complex issue, and while Malaysians may generally speak better English, there are instances where Indonesians can also be highly proficient. This article highlights the reasons why Malaysians have, on average, higher levels of English proficiency.