The weightage of Chinese Language for the PSLE is in debate recently. Personally, I would call those who call for a reduction of the weightage quitters. Although the argument that English is the medium used in all administrations in Singapore, the value of the Chinese cannot be ignored.
I used to be rather good in my Chinese. I remember scoring A1s when I was a student. But the truth is that with lack of usage over the years, my standard in the language has deteriorated much. However, I pride myself as having once exposed myself extensively in the language. For the value in a language is not in the usage, but the appreciation in its culture. I cannot write or read as well in Chinese as when I was a student, but my appreciation for it grows with time. The tenacity to work on doing well for it is also a lesson well-learned.
If you worry about the “Brain Drain” due to an inability to do well in the Chinese, then maybe we should be aware that these are also “weaker brains” that can’t cope. Then they should just go. I will not miss them.
I used to be rather good in my Chinese. I remember scoring A1s when I was a student. But the truth is that with lack of usage over the years, my standard in the language has deteriorated much. However, I pride myself as having once exposed myself extensively in the language. For the value in a language is not in the usage, but the appreciation in its culture. I cannot write or read as well in Chinese as when I was a student, but my appreciation for it grows with time. The tenacity to work on doing well for it is also a lesson well-learned.
If you worry about the “Brain Drain” due to an inability to do well in the Chinese, then maybe we should be aware that these are also “weaker brains” that can’t cope. Then they should just go. I will not miss them.
