CONCLUSION

THE FUTURE OF TAMIL IN SINGAPORE

From the research that we have done on the Tamil Language in Singapore, it would appear that while there has been considerable effort on the part of the community and various similar efforts to promote Tamil, it is currently in a state of decline.

This is a result of a combination of factors ranging from Singapore’s emphasis on English as a first language and the need for a common language in Singapore’s multicultural society. The younger generation of Indians are thus less prone to speak Tamil for even intra-group communication, often choosing English instead.

Given what we know about Tamil, we propose the following suggestions to reverse this trend or at least slow it and enable Tamil to more successfully serve its purpose in maintaining the identity of the Indian community in Singapore.

SUGGESTIONS FOR THE REVIVAL OF TAMIL IN SINGAPORE

Language policy goal: Reversal to maintain ethnic/cultural/historical identity.

Level of ambition/goal:

1) Targeting Indian children of school-going age – Effective bilingualism and continued use of Tamil at higher levels of education.

2) Encouraging young adult speakers to use Tamil in intra-group communication.

Means for achieving goal ( through Formal and Informal education)

• Type of curriculum -

Formal education:

§         Setting up/ expanding Tamil Studies Department at local universities/institutes of higher education for students to pursue Tamil studies, Tamil Literature etc. and for research development.

§         Expanding the syllabus to allow (more) students to pursue Higher Tamil or Tamil as a first language at PSLE, ‘O’ and ‘A’ level.

§         Focusing the curriculum on practical usage of Tamil – situation simulation, role-playing.

Ø     Informal education:

§         Promoting Tamil culture through co-curricula activities such as the Tamil Literary Drama and Debating Society  (TLDDS) and Tamil Cultural Societies.

§         Contributing to cultural scene through writing, singing, dancing competitions etc.

§         More educational programmes in Tamil and/or on Tamil to be aired. (Preferably produced locally to cater to local needs)

• Teacher Training: 

Ø     Bringing in native speakers of Tamil from India to train local teachers or to teach,

Ø      Re-training/courses on a regular basis (3 yrs) to keep up with syllabus,

Ø     Tamil teachers to double up as teachers for other subjects. Thus, providing sufficient Tamil teachers without compromising the need for other subject teachers.

Ø     Conferences and/or workshops for Tamil teachers to discuss education issues and to have a say in shaping the local syllabus for Tamil learning. (Singapore Tamil Teachers’ Union, MOE)

Ø     Awards for Tamil teachers.

• Formal/informal institutions:

Ø     Greater collaboration between formal and informal institutions to coordinate teaching methodology, events, etc.

Ø     Generating greater dialogue to raise the standards of Tamil teaching and usage.

• Promoting a conducive environment inside and outside the classroom for the learning and use of Tamil education.

Ø     Use of Tamil for civics/moral education (or increase its use) at higher levels.

Ø     Funds for national and school libraries to buy recent Tamil works, organise activities (reading week, quizzes) to promote the reading of Tamil Literature.

Ø     Holding forums and workshops for parents to inform on how to promote Tamil in the home and the merits of Tamil.