Learn Malay as a Second Language: Language Etiquette

Abstract

Any language teaching and learning process should include language etiquette. The learning of foreign languages during any stage is characterised by the interaction of many factors such as mother tongue, culture, educational background, and psychological characteristics, among others. The development of socio-cultural competency in teaching a foreign language is a challenging undertaking for teachers. Foreign students from Sudan, Egypt, Indonesia, the Philippines, and other countries can learn Malay in one semester at Multimedia University, Malaysia. This study aims to discuss the importance for international students to learn language etiquette, and to explore the components of language etiquette that international students acquired. This study used a field research method, i.e. the language method in its context, for data analysis. Observations in class and conversations from the Google Meet chat box were used to collect data for this study. It was discovered through data analysis that instructors should be aware of and appreciate the students' native culture as well as their cultural differences in the classroom. It helps all participants/students to pick up the foreign language and its culture as well. In terms of cultural aspects, if the learner's socio-cultural competence is well defined and built during the language teaching process, he or she can be almost on par with native speakers. However, it should be noted that, while etiquette is a fixed part of the culture, norms are constantly evolving. This research focuses on foreign students' language etiquette in Malay language classes. However, future research could focus on other courses or on students' everyday lives. The primary goal of foreign language teaching and learning is for students to be able to speak and comprehend the foreign language. The education of culture and linguistic etiquette is critical to achieving these goals.