As a mummy of 2, I try my best to 'assist' my 2 girls in being bilingual by conversing with them in both English and Mandarin. As Val is only 17 months, it is way too early to assess her linguistic skills. However, I am sure that she can converse pretty well in both languages in the years to come. As for the written portion, it can only be assessed a few years later.
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With the recent announcement of the change in Mother Tongue weighting in PSLE, I personally do not see the rationale behind this initiative (with particular reference to Chinese only). I guess the poor results (in Chinese) of majority of the students probably prompted this initiative. Instead of trying to raise the standard of the students or at least arouse the students' interest in the subject, we are just making unnecessary adjustment/ leeway which will eventually just kill the subject in the long run.
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By cutting the weightage, the younger generation will have the misconception that the language is not important and will be even less willing and motivated to learn the language. This is not helping the younger generation. Under the current system, the students could barely cope with the language. With the cut in weightage, I am sure the students will probably 'give up' on the subject and concentrate on the 'main cores'.
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The cut in weightage will only benefit the weaker students. What about the stronger students? Instead of the relieving the burden off the weaker students, the system should be rewarding those who are willing to work hard and excel in the subject. By reducing the weighting, we are 'punishing' these stronger students.
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With this new implementation, I worry about the consequences in the long run.
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