Malay language studies thrive in China amid strengthening bilateral ties

KUALA LUMPUR - The Malay language is gaining growing prominence in China, with at least 17 higher learning institutions now offering Malay-related programmes amid strengthening regional and economic ties between Malaysia and China.

This development is evident with at least 17 higher learning institutions in China now offering Malay language-related courses, including full degree programmes, reflecting growing interest in the language and civilisation of the Malay world.

National language and literary figure Senator Datuk Seri Professor Dr Awang Sariyan said of the total, 13 universities offer four-year Malay language degree programmes covering various aspects, comparable to programmes at local universities such as Universiti Malaya and Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris.

"This is highly encouraging because Malay language studies in China are not limited to linguistics alone, but encompass all aspects of civilisation such as literature, culture, history, media and socioeconomics.

"The comprehensive approach also includes analytical training on current issues in Malaysia, including local media content, thereby helping students understand the real context of the Malay society and the country,” he told Bernama.

Awang, who is also honorary adviser to the Centre for Malay Studies at Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU), said besides degree programmes, two higher learning institutions offer three-year diploma programmes in Malay language studies, while several other universities provide Malay language courses for international relations purposes.

According to Awang, the development has also extended beyond universities, with teacher training colleges and secondary schools in southern China beginning to offer Malay language as an elective subject.

"In less than a decade, the growth has been very significant. When I first went to China, only three universities offered Malay language degree programmes, but now the number has increased rapidly,” said Awang, who previously held the Malaysian Government Chair of Malay Studies in China from 2008 to 2011 and from 2016 to 2018.

The Emeritus Professor at the Institute of the Malay World and Civilisation (ATMA), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, said the increase was driven by close cooperation between Malaysia and China, including the role of educational institutions and active academic networks promoting Malay studies in China.

He said universities in China have also shown a strong commitment by requiring at least one native Malay-speaking lecturer from Malaysia to ensure linguistic accuracy and cultural understanding.

"They are willing to invest because they see long-term returns, including producing professionals such as translators, interpreters and executives capable of facilitating dealings between Chinese companies and agencies in Malaysia,” said Awang, who also holds the Malay Rulers’ Chair at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM).

Awang said China’s approach of treating language as a ‘window to understand the world’ enables students not only to master the language, but also to understand the economy, history and social systems of the countries they study.

Meanwhile, Director of the Centre for Malay Studies at BFSU Professor Dr Su Ying Ying said Chinese students’ interest in the Malay language is driven by positive perceptions of Malaysia as a peaceful country with good relations with China.

"In the eyes of the Chinese society, Malaysia is peaceful, beautiful, its food is delicious, and its people are friendly and easy to get along with, making Malay language studies one of the choices for students pursuing higher education,” she said.

Su said most students are able to achieve good proficiency in Malay within two years despite having no prior foundation before entering university.

"During the first two years, students are exposed to basic skills such as speaking, listening, writing and translation before continuing to more in-depth studies including Malay literature, Malaysian history, the political system and ethnic relations.

"Students are not only learning the language, but are also required to understand Malaysia as a whole because language is closely linked to culture and society,” she said.

Su, who is also known as Suria, said it is currently estimated that between 500 and 530 students are studying Malay language courses throughout China, with more than 50 instructors involved in the field.

She said BFSU was among the earliest institutions to introduce Malay language studies in China and has now become a key reference centre for the development of the field.

"The broad career prospects are also a factor behind growing student interest, especially following increasingly strong economic ties between China and Malaysia.

"Many companies from China are establishing operations in Malaysia and require workers who can speak Malay. Although English can be used, proficiency in Malay provides a much greater advantage,” she said.

She added that job opportunities in language-related fields are now expanding, particularly in the corporate, trade and international relations sectors. - BERNAMA