IN 1971, English was widely used with people conversant in it and in some careers such as the legal profession – it was the lingua franca – a schoolteacher decided to set up what is believed to be Penang's pioneering tuition centre for the language.
Some folks looked at him bemusement, as after all, English was widely spoken and written in Penang, one of the ultimate legacies of being under colonial rule since 1786.
Why was there a need for an extra curriculum when many people were comfortable using the language?
Well for the late Benny Khoo, he had the foresight to realise that English would continue to be in demand due to its positioning as the preferred language around the world, despite the fading influence of the British empire. The United States maintained the primacy of the language in international discourse.
Today, 52 years later and with thousands of young graduates, Benny's Bell Language Centre is one of the oldest Cambridge Examination preparation centres in Malaysia.
His alumni include professionals and two PKR elected representatives – Kebun Bunga assemblyperson Jason Ong Khan Lee, and Bayan Baru MP Sim Tze Tzin.
The language centre – based out of the working class enclave of Air Itam – is now wholly managed by Benny's family, with his daughter Angeline Khoo at the helm.
Benny, an old boy of the nation's second oldest secondary school, St Xavier's Institution, brought in friends, who were former school teachers to assist him in his endeavour.
And despite the emerging importance of Mandarin, Hindi and Tamil, parents continue to dispatch their children to Benny's centre.
Hard earned money is used to ensure their children develop oratorical and writing skills, with the high standards of the Cambridge examinations as an indicator.
How is English faring in Penang?
Angeline said her family remains committed towards ensuring that their father's legacy of ensuring everyone has access to learning English continues into the future.
“Although he has left us, this family-run business will continue to carry his legacy of changing lives through education and over the years, we have even given free education to many who could not afford,” she said, adding that a strong foundation in English is important to be successful in school, at the workplace and in life, citing examples of students who have secured scholarships to further their studies abroad.
The fact that the centre is situated in a working-class neighbourhood, means blue collar workers have a chance to ensure their children excel in English, especially when there is a perceived notion that the language’s importance has eroded in Penang.
English is perceived to be displaced as the preferred form of communication within the Chinese community, while Malays would logically choose the official language of Bahasa Malaysia, and the Indians divide their focus between their respective mother dialects and English.
However, this has not diminished the interests of the people in acquiring the spoken and written skills of English, according to Angeline.
To help encourage people of all ages in Penang to read and improve their English, Bell has also launched a MeAndMyBook campaign on its Facebook page.
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Ex-student Ong said that the state government should declare English as its second official language and Mandarin as its future third language.
The state PKR leader said that Penang residents were highly proficient in English, and civil servants in the state should not be penalised for using the language.
Ong commented this after Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg recently defended the state government’s decision to continue to use English as an official language alongside Bahasa Malaysia, saying it was in line with the Federal Constitution.
Ong said the call to use English would not threaten or displace Malay as the national language, stressing that the importance of the English language should be acknowledged.
Angeline said that while it is true that Mandarin and other languages are becoming increasingly important in today's globalised world, English remains a highly influential and widely spoken language.
English is the most widely spoken language in the world, and is the official language of over 50 countries. It is used extensively in international trade, business, and diplomacy.
English is also the primary language of instruction in many universities and academic institutions around the world. It is the language used in the majority of academic publications and research papers, said Angeline.
She also added that many multinational corporations use English as their primary language of communication, and proficiency in English is often a requirement for employment in these companies.
Proficiency in English can also open up job opportunities in other countries, as many countries require English proficiency for work visas and immigration.
She also underscored that a vast majority of online content and media is in English, making it important for people to have a good command of the language to access information, entertainment, and news from around the world.
"English has become a global language of culture, with English literature, music, movies, and television programs being enjoyed by people all over the world. Being able to understand and appreciate English-language culture can enhance a person's ability to engage with a global community and to understand diverse perspectives."
Bell Language Centre's legacy
Bell has produced up to some 6,000 graduates since opening its doors in 1971.
Echoing Angeline’s views, was another old boy, Sim, who said that it is now important for the Education Ministry to narrow the gap between the poor and the rich students in mastering all languages, not just English.
"It enriches one's life to be conversant in many languages. But to master it, there is a need to converse in it often. We need to practise what we learn, and this may be missing if we stick to our comfort zone by only relying on our mother tongue."
Sim, who is a former deputy agriculture minister, said that special classes can be held for students keen to learn English or Mandarin or Hindi, other than their mother tongue.
Conventionally, Malaysians are required to master the official language of Bahasa Malaysia with a good take in English and of late Mandarin, said Sim.
Penang Deputy Chief Minister II P. Ramasamy, who oversees the education portfolio, said that ultimately, the key role is played by parents and to a lesser degree, the teachers.
"Parents must know what is needed to educate their children. I sent all my children to national schools, so they are adept in Bahasa Malaysia and English too."
Ramasamy said that when it comes to education, the system can help but ultimately, it is the role played by the parents which is supremely important.
He stressed that nobody is downplaying the importance of Bahasa Malaysia as the official language, but it is also important to acknowledge that English remains a focal point in areas such as science, mathematics, engineering and technology.
He said that some languages such as Japanese and Mandarin have managed to fine tune their vocabulary to incorporate the knowledge content of English.
And Bahasa Malaysia is not far away but for now, the mastery of English remains relevant and strong in the daily lives of everyone globally, including in Malaysia, he added. - The Vibes, May 30, 2023.
