Week 4: Singaporeans split on Mother Tongue weighting

Personally, I do not agree that the weighting of Mother Tongue should be reduced. Though Mother Tongue is a second language, it is nevertheless important. Mother Tongue gives individuals a sense of identity, a sense of belonging. It inculcates in them their cultures and traditions. If the Mother Tongue weighting is adjusted, then students will lack an understanding of their individual cultures and traditions.


The statement in the article that 'such a move would result in students paying less attention to the subject, reduce curriculum time on the subject and weaken pupils' command of the Mother Tongue.' is true.


It is true that if the Mother Tongue weighting is reduced, then students would undergo less stress and pressure as they can concentrate more on other subjects. This would also encourage them to speak English more frequently at home and this would improve their command of English. But, in my opinion, there are other ways to encourage them to speak English more frequently at home and that it is not necessary to reduce the weighting of Mother Tongue.


The decision of reducing the weighting of Mother Tongue would also affect communication between the students and the older generation. Some of the older generation are not able to communicate in English and can only communicate in their second language. If the students’ command of their Mother Tongue is weak, this would put them at a disadvantage as they would face difficulties communicating with the older generation.