SINGAPORE – Mother tongue languages connect Singaporeans to their roots, values and cultural heritage, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.
“They help us understand where we came from and they shape who we are,” he added in a speech on July 17 at the Singapore Tamil Teachers’ Union’s (STTU) 75th anniversary dinner.
PM Wong said mother tongue languages also reflect the Republic’s identity as a multiracial and multi-religious nation, where its citizens are “Singaporeans first and foremost” while remaining deeply connected to the rich traditions of their respective cultures.
That is why the learning of mother tongue languages is a cornerstone of Singapore’s education system, he said. However, he noted that mastering the languages is not an easy task.
“For Tamil, the challenge can be even greater – because students may have fewer natural opportunities to speak, read and use the language outside the classroom,” PM Wong said, adding that Tamil language teachers therefore play a critical role.
The Government is committed to working closely with STTU in its mission to support Tamil teachers and the teaching of Tamil, while continuing to bring together educators, families and community partners to celebrate the teaching and learning of mother tongue languages, he said.
The union also works closely with the Ministry of Education through mentorship and advisory programmes to support Tamil teachers, he added.
“Together, these efforts have helped attract new teachers, support younger educators and strengthen the profession for the longer term,” PM Wong said.
The union understands that language learning needs to go beyond the classroom, he said, citing the Tamizhil Yosi Tamizhil Vaasi (Think In Tamil, Read In Tamil) campaign as an example.
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