| Izah Azahari |
THE tourism sector has the potential to expand the internationalisation of the Malay Language through promoting the rich Malay culture that includes food, traditional dances, martial arts, architecture and costumes.
This was stated by Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin yesterday at the official opening ceremony of the Language Council of Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia (MABBIM) Language Seminar 2018 at Parkview Hotel, Jerudong.
In his working paper titled ‘Industri Pelancongan Sebagai Wahana Pengantarabangsaan Bahasa Melayu’ (Tourism Industry as a Vehicle for the Internationalisation of the Malay Language), the minister noted that language is seen as the pillar of identity of a nation. “Malay Language is the heart of the Malay identity and it cannot be separated from the Malay race,” he added.
Touching on the internationalisation of Malay Language, he said that the member countries of MABBIM should not feel satisfied only by placing their hopes through scholarly programmes as there is another important element that can have a two-pronged impact on the progress of a nation – which is the element of creativity in the efforts to developing a country’s economy.
“This will then assist in the internationalisation of Malay Language and member countries need to target a variety of efforts and programmes that are innovative and creative as these types of programmes may be able to attract the attention of the communities abroad.”
Meanwhile, the minister also explained on the promotion of Malay Language through tourism in the context of Brunei Darussalam, noting that the country is seeing an increase in the number of tourists each year and this opportunity must be grabbed to promote and empower the dignity and internationalisation of Malay Language.
“Malay Language internationalisation profile of a country depends on and is closely related to the profile of tourism activities offered by it such as the business, socio-cultural and socio-economic activities of its communities.
“Observing, participating and playing a role in these activities are among the best steps to learn any language including Malay. This will help tourists to continuously remember the culture and language in a country,” said the minister.
“Focussing on tourist destinations as potential areas that offer cultural and artistic value will give an opportunity for the local communities to be equally responsible and committed in ensuring that the exploitation of tourism products is synergised in promoting Malay Language up to the international level. A strong set of minds should be planted in Malay Language speakers as it can influence a large number of speakers and empower their vocabulary in speaking the language in a bigger geographical area, thereby generating a strong tourism industry with the internationalisation of Malay,” the minister said.
The minister added that Brunei ensures that Malay Language is upheld and prioritised with the support of the country’s identity – the Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB).
Other examples of internationalisation are the large-scale initiatives conducted by the Language and Literature Bureau of Brunei to install Malay signage at government buildings and business bodies.
“Although steps for promoting Malay Language are continuously being undertaken, we still need to look forward. Brunei will continuously examine, strengthen and improve the policies, legislation and programmes to empower Malay so that our native language will continue to be adopted and practised not only by Malays in the archipelago but also those abroad,” he added.
The minister also congratulated Malaysia for the establishment of the ‘Majlis Jawatankuasa Kabinet Kebangsaan Bahasa’.
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