Interviews

Samikannu, 52

Tamil Teacher , Umar Pulavar Tamil Language Centre (1 of the 6 Tamil centres in Singapore) 

Do you think that the government has done enough for the maintenance of Tamil in Singapore?

The government should be commended for its efforts in establishing the Tamil language in Singapore. Unfortunately, the current rate of globalisation and the internet have increased the dependence on English. The status of Tamil has therefore decreased. Less emphasis is also given to Tamil at homes. This should be changed and parents should take a more active role in ensuring that their children know Tamil and know it well. 

Do you think that it has been disadvantageous to you to have been educated in the Tamil medium?

Previously, it wasn’t such a big deal to go to a Tamil-medium school. But now, it’s sadly looked down upon. I went through that system and I am not any worse off. But I see that in today’s world, a good grasp of both languages is important. English for commerce and the second language for culture.

A big problem, in my opinion, is the difficulty of the syllabus. The syllabus should be simplified so as to ensure that the foundation of the language can be strong.

Mrs. Suseela, 47

Clerk

How do you think the standard of Tamil in Singapore can be improved?

Tamil programmes over the radio use a lot of English. This should be changed. This is a bad example to the young. If we want to preserve the language, then English shouldn’t be mixed with it.

Miss Radha, 23

Administrative Executive

How is the standard of Tamil amongst the young today?

One can’t expect the young to have the fluency of the past generation of speakers. The education and culture has resulted in the dominance of English over Tamil. But I guess, the home environment plays a huge part.

Saundram, 71

Grandmother )

What do you think of the standard of Tamil today?

Children these days can’t speak very fluently. They stumble and hesitate when they speak in Tamil. I guess they should concentrate on English. It is also the parents duty. If the parents speak in Tamil, so will the children. The parents must take the effort.