TOWARDS THE ASSESSMENT, EXPANSION AND ENHANCEMENT OF MALAY AS A SUPRANATIONAL LANGUAGE

This article suggests that an organised and properly managed Malay foreign language programme contributes significantly to Malay language and culture preservation. To this end, select academic domains are highlighted as areas of improvement towards a sound Malay foreign language programme. Firstly, a Malay foreign language requires proper assessment instrument, not least because a recognised foreign language programme in the current business market requires a standardised foreign language assessment. Both Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL) and International English Language Testing System (IELTS) are prime examples of standard language testing instruments which are well-subscribed across the world. Secondly, a Malay foreign language programme benefits from a series of focused deliberation by expert Malay language ambassadors at major international conferences. Currently, no organisation looks into the sponsorship of Malay experts to disseminate and promote academic development as well as cultural information towards Malay language education at the international level. As a comparison, Japanese Foundation is an astute state board promoting Japanese through various kinds of sponsorship. Thirdly, the local speech community playing a part in learning enrichment adds vibrancy to the delivery of a foreign language. Local Malay speech communities make an excellent alternative in complementing teacher-centred pedagogy, which is identified as a main reason for low achievement in the acquisition of Malay language in current research. Arguably, the combination of proper academic evaluation, professional deliberation and local educational exposure in language learning and enhancement generates a vital force for establishing a sound Malay foreign language in a competitive international foreign language market. Consequently, the creation of an executive board such as a Malay Language Foundation is relevant to launch the academic support in Malay language education and transform Malay foreign language into a sought-after academic option in a global language market thus reviving the lingua franca status that Malay once held in the Southeast Asian region.