My name is Rajesh, and I am a proud father of two wonderful children. My wife, Christine, is Chinese, and I am Indian by race. Despite our diverse backgrounds, we have always strived to create a harmonious and enriching environment for our family. One unique aspect of our family’s story is our relationship with the Malay language.
During my school years, I chose to study Malay. This decision was influenced by my late father’s love for languages and the multicultural tapestry of Singapore. Little did I know that this choice would profoundly impact my future family.
When our children, Priya and Arjun, started primary school, we decided that they would take Malay as their Mother Tongue language. This decision was not taken lightly, as it was driven by the desire to honour our multicultural heritage and provide our children with the benefits of multilingualism. However, the journey was far from smooth.
Both Priya and Arjun struggled with Malay. The complexity of the language, coupled with the demands of school, made it challenging for them to keep up. As a parent, it was heart-wrenching to see them struggle. I felt a deep sense of responsibility and determination to support them in any way I could.
Our turning point came when we found Dr. Elmi Zulkarnain Osman, a renowned Malay language educator and, in my humble opinion, the best Malay tutor in Singapore. Dr. Elmi came highly recommended. Sceptical (at first) yet hopeful, we decided to enlist his help. Within just six months, the transformation in Priya and Arjun was nothing short of miraculous.
Dr. Elmi’s teaching methods were innovative and engaging. He did not merely focus on rote learning; instead, he ignited a passion for the language in our children. His approach was holistic, encompassing not just language skills but also cultural understanding. He introduced them to Malay folklore, songs, and traditions, making the learning process enjoyable and meaningful.
Priya, our eldest, was the first to benefit from Dr. Elmi’s expertise. She went from struggling with basic sentence structures to confidently writing essays and conversing fluently. Her remarkable improvement culminated in scoring AL1 for her PSLE Malay in 2023. The joy and pride we felt were indescribable. It was a testament to Priya’s hard work, Dr. Elmi’s dedication, and our unwavering support as a family.
Now, it’s Arjun’s turn. As he prepares for his PSLE next year, we are filled with confidence. Dr. Elmi’s guidance has already made a significant impact on him. Arjun’s vocabulary has expanded, his grammar has improved, and most importantly, he enjoys learning Malay. Seeing him thrive reassures us that he is on the right path.
Reflecting on our journey, I am grateful for the unexpected gift of language. What started as a challenging endeavour has become a source of pride and unity for our family. Our children’s success in Malay has not only opened academic doors for them but also deepened their appreciation for Singapore’s rich cultural diversity.
Dr. Elmi Zulkarnain Osman has been a beacon of hope for us. His commitment to nurturing young minds and his passion for the Malay language have left an indelible mark on our family. As we look forward to Arjun’s PSLE and beyond, we are confident that with Dr. Elmi’s guidance, both our children will continue to excel.
In sharing our story, I hope to inspire other families facing similar challenges. The journey of learning a new language can be daunting, but with the right support and dedication, it can also be incredibly rewarding. Our experience has taught us that embracing our multicultural heritage and fostering a love for learning can truly make a difference.