English Only Policy

My dear students,
I'm sure by now all of you know that I expect all of you to use English all the time,especially with me. All communications with me ,in class, outside class, through the phone, SMS, even among your classmates,especially when I'm around.

I also informed you that I seldom get angry, but I will be very angry if you do not respect my 'English Only' policy. You often see me smile but I'll be very annoyed if you do not try to use English with me or with your friends. I'm sure you have seen how my facial expressions changed when that happened.

In other words, change your 'channel' to English mode on your way to my English class. As I've mentioned previously, it won't be easy to do that just during your speaking exam week. So many times I've seen students who might have lots of ideas but failed to express it in proper English words. Malay words will accidently come out from your mouth because your are thinking in Malay. How am I going to evaluate an English speaking exam when Malay words are everywhere in your sentences?

Of course I'm not saying that you should neglect your mother tongue. Being good in English doesn't make you less Malay. Read my Malay blog for evidence.

I must say that I was quite shocked to find out that only a few of you were 'forced' by your English teacher to use English with them all the time. I remember how when I was at school, my friends and I would speak in English to our English teachers.

I realize though that this could create barriers. For this reason, you might not want to speak to me at all. Since you are not able to express yourself, I will not be able to hear your thoughts and feelings. I believe that's partly why I want you to blog. This helps me to connect with you.

I hope I've made myself very clear here and I believe you understand my intention.

Finally, if you really need the urge to communicate to me in Malay, do it in my Malay blog. Use proper Malay there. Yes, I'm that strict!