From Monolingual to

Multilingual: Language
Programs and Policies
Across ASEAN Countries
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 Guess the
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BRUNEI

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MALAYSI
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INDONE
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MYANMA
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PHILIPPIN
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VIETNA
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CAMBOD
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LAOS

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SINGAPO
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What is Language Programs ?
- In the context of education, language programs relate
to a particular curricula, initiatives, or courses that are
intended to teach and improved students language
skills. These programs are often used in educational
settings like schools and universities to assist the growth
of language competency in a variety of areas like
reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
 What is Language Policy?

- Language policies are intentional and methodical steps

taken by the governments, institutions, or organizations
to control the use and status of languages within a specific
context or territory. These policies can cover the wide
range of topics, including the choice and promotion of
official languages, language planning and development,
language rights, language education, language use in
public areas and language related legislations.
What are the different forms of language programs

• Foreign Language Programs – the primary goals of these courses is to teach

foreign language such as French, Spanish, or Mandarin. They integrate cultural
elements as well as focus on helping students improve their ability to
communicate effectively in the target language.

• English as a Second Language (ESL) Program –these are the students who are not
natural English speakers. The learners grammar, vocabulary,
pronunciation,and comprehension are all improve with the aid of this
application.

• English Language Arts( ELA) – reading, writing, speaking and listening abilities
are all integrated to ELA programs holistic approach to language instructions.
Through literary analysis, writing exercise, class debates, and presentation
activities seek to enhance students literacy and critical thinking of these
programs.
•Bilingual and Dual-Language Programs – programs
that are bilingual or dual language often teach the
students native language as well as the intended
language.

•Literacy Programs – these initiatives concentrate

particularly in enhancing writing, and reading
abilities. They might include phonics, comprehension,
vocabulary –building, and writing related strategies.
For pupils at different grade levels, literacy programs
can be adjusted to suit the unique requirements like
INDONESIA
Indonesia – with 707 spoken
languages. Indonesia is
linguistically the most diverse
country in Asia.
- The constitution of 1945
stipulates Indonesia (Bahasa
Indonesia) used as the official
language and also the language of
instruction and literacy at all
levels of education.
- Only an estimated 10-20%
Indonesian as their first language but
up to 70% of Indonesia use it as
secondary language.
- However, data on second –language
speakers in Indonesia proficiency
(particularly in academic language
skills required in education) are not
available.
- Some regional languages, such as
Javanese, Madurese, and Sundanese are
spoken by tens of millions of people,
and many other languages have millions
Law No. 20 of 2003 state’s
that another mother tongue
than Indonesia can be used in
early stages of education.
- Although the Indonesian
Constitution guarantees the
used and development of non-
dominant languages, they are
generally not used as
languages of instruction.
Education System of Indonesia

All Indonesian citizen must

undertake 12 years of
compulsory education which
consist of 6 years in
Elementary school, 3 years in
Junior High School and
another 3 years in Senior High
School.
Elementary School (Sekolah Dasar)
– Indonesian children aged 6-12 attend
elementary school. In this level, Indonesian
learn basic subjects such as science, math,
language (foreign and Bahasa Indonesia),
arts and crafts, religion and civic
education.
- Students spend 6 years in primary school,
though some schools offer an accelerating
learning programs in which students who
can perform well can complete the level in
Junior High School ( Sekolah Menegah
Pertama)
- Students spend 3 years at this level where
they can be more complex such as biology and
world history.
- Students who can perform well can complete
in 2 years.

Senior High School

- Students are expected to expand all the
knowledge that they have acquired from their
previous years of studying. They are also
expected to take the national exam to get their
next level.
Higher Education – that last phase of
education. Students are being prepared
good academic and professional skills.

- Students who can enroll into

government (negeri) universities through
the nationwide entrance examination.

- Private ( swasta) universities are usually

operated by foundations and have their
own entrance examination.
VIETNAM

Vietnam – has a population

of approximately 87 million
consisting of 54 ethnic
groups with different
languages.
- English language was introduced in
Vietnam in the 199’0s in the primary
schools.

- English is one of the many subjects that

has national examination and students need
to pass this in order to enter Secondary
School Education.

- The education sector of the country

instructed in the 1996 that English will be
compulsory at Grade 3 throughout the
country.
Language Programs in Vietnam
1. Natural Science and English Training
Center
- Train pre-service and in-serving subject
teachers to improve English proficiency.

2. Bilingual Education Program

- The used of mother tongue as medium of
instruction in early years of education.

3. Vietnamese American School System

- Trains and prepare students who will take
international exam.
Language Policy in Vietnam
1. National Language Policy
- Instructs that the users of 10
ethnic language are entitled
Bilingual Education.

2. Vietnamese Constitution of
1946 and 1992
- Preserving of mother tongue.