Aren't We All Already Bilingual?

Firstly, thanks for the great article. I have some thoughts that I wish to raise here.

In Singapore, when we say "Bilingualism" it immediately means English-Chinese language. What happens to the Malay and Tamil language? After all, the word 'Bi' means two, or double.

In their efforts to be discrete, employers will always put job adevertisements, hiring only 'bilingual' individuals. In that case, I speak English AND Malay - 2 languages therefore I am a qualified bilingualist, no?

I personally find second languages very important, but over the years (and the even stronger emphasis on Chinese language by MM Lee) I find the Malay and Tamil language rather redundant.

Back in my Secondary school years, I took Higher Mother Tongue (Malay) but even with a fantastic distinction in the subject, my potential employers do not find it "useful" and was not awed by it at all.

How will my kids benefit in the future by adopting their forefather's language?

I truly understand the importance and relevency of the Chinese language in the working world now, but can this be an excuse to give our kids when we opt them into a second language class that is not of their native?


Thank you for your time.

Regards,
Ms Nuur Fatihha Yusoff