10. It’s Not Always English: ‘Duelling Aunties’ in Brunei Darussalam

Haji-Othman, Noor Azam

doi:10.21832/9781847697516-016

Cited by 34 publications

(3 citation statements)

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“…Although the official government position is that the minority indigenous languages "are all dialects of Malay" (Haji-Othman et al, 2019, p. 315), none of them are recognised or carry any status in education, in language planning, nor in the media, and some are at risk of dying out altogether (David et al, 2009;Sammons et al, 2014). This would mean the loss not only of the language itself, but also of the cultural heritage and identity of these people (Crystal, 2014;Haji-Othman, 2012). Having said that, "Community members and language experts have taken up the challenge of maintaining the use and vitality of indigenous ethnic minority languages in the Sultanate" (Noorashid & McLellan, 2018, p. 218), and credit-bearing courses in several of the indigenous languages (specifically Iban, Belait, Dusun, Tutong, and Lun Bawang), alongside Brunei Malay, are currently available through the Language Centre at the University of Brunei Darussalam (Language Centre, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, n.d.).…”

Section: The Bruneian Context and Linguistic Diversitymentioning

confidence: 99%

English language in Brunei: Use, policy, and status in education – A review

Goode¹

2020

Indonesian JELT

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This paper explores the literature on the status of the English language in Negara Brunei Darussalam, particularly in education. The review encompasses a total of 103 sources, including 44 journal articles, 27 book chapters, 15 books, and 17 other items (institution/organisation websites and reports, government documents, newspaper articles, and conference presentations), published between 1985 and 2020, with at least 70 sources published in the last decade. The author summarises findings from research in key areas in the Bruneian context including bilingual education, linguistic diversity, the status of English, educational policies, educational divides, and challenges to the student experience, particularly in higher education in the bilingual setting. The author found that: i) while there are concerns over the impact of English on the Malay language and on indigenous languages in the Sultanate, and apprehension around an educational divide, the majority of attitudes appear to be very positive about the use of English in Brunei, including in education; ii) the bilingual education policy has evolved over time, and now places an emphasis on English as a key competency for the 21st century; iii) the student experience in the bilingual context is a particularly under-researched area. Staff working in tertiary education can always benefit from further insights into different aspects of learning, teaching, and content delivery, which may be applicable in many settings. The paper concludes with recommendations for further research in Brunei.

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Section: The Bruneian Context and Linguistic Diversitymentioning

confidence: 99%

English language in Brunei: Use, policy, and status in education – A review

Goode¹

2020

Indonesian JELT

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“…To meet the national goals of economic development and social prosperity, Brunei has had to embrace Western technological, scientific, and digital knowledge, and the international language of English. 5 In line with these goals, Brunei pragmatically implemented a bilingual education policy in 1985 which employs both English and Malay as the languages of instruction (Haji-Othman, 2012). Although a second language, English is so widely used that bilingual code-mixing and code-switching have occurred at all levels of social discourse, albeit to varying degrees of fluency (Ożóg, 1996).…”

Section: Contexts: Mib and Anak Derhakamentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Despite the relative ease with which English has been accepted and integrated into Bruneian life, it is still perceived as “different”, foreign. Bruneians emotionally distance themselves from English by viewing it as a functional, communicative link with the outside world (Chin, 2007) while Malay remains the beloved mother tongue, or “language of the soul” (Haji-Othman, 2012: 181), which can authentically capture and express their innermost selves. Nevertheless, the state’s continuing efforts to defend Malay as the national language, seen in the propaganda of Bahasa Jiwa Bangsa (language is the soul of the race), and its increasingly fierce resistance to bahasa rojak (mixed language) underscores a real and present fear of the threat posed by Otherness (Kamit, 2012; Shahminan, 2010).…”

Section: Contexts: Mib and Anak Derhakamentioning

confidence: 99%

Negotiating difference: The trope of anak derhaka and ideological endings in Bruneian writings

Chin

Daud

2014

The Journal of Commonwealth Literature

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In a quantitative analysis of themes explored in the creative writing classes at Universiti Brunei Darussalam, it was found that over 60 per cent of all writings dealt with the parent-child relationship, with many dealing specifically with the trope of the anak derhaka, or unfilial child. A closer look at the anak derhaka texts showed that their endings almost invariably showcased a formulaic trajectory that punished the unfilial child and restored family order. This article examines the significance of this recurring trope and its inevitable ending in the context of Brunei Darussalam's tripartite state ideology and discourse, Malay Islamic Monarchy, consisting of race, religion and political identity. By preserving the continuity of traditional Malay-Muslim worldview, this recurring trope underscores an innate desire, or anxiety, to maintain local identity and cultural values amid the chaos of external, global pressures and events. At the same time, the texts reveal a fascination with difference, or Otherness. This paper will consider how these instances of difference are negotiated, for they reveal moments of tension and ambivalence which appear to undermine the state discourse even as the texts move toward the "correct", closed endings.

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Brunei English

McLellan¹

2020

The Handbook of Asian Englishes

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10. It’s Not Always English: ‘Duelling Aunties’ in Brunei Darussalam

Cited by 34 publications

References 0 publications

English language in Brunei: Use, policy, and status in education – A review

English language in Brunei: Use, policy, and status in education – A review

Negotiating difference: The trope of anak derhaka and ideological endings in Bruneian writings

Brunei English

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