在英语的环力掌握华文.docVIP

在英语的环境里掌握双语 Becoming bilingual in an English-speaking environment 蓝秉湖By Lam Pin Foo (2003-08-30) 　　 More and more English-educated Chinese Singaporean parents are becoming increasingly conscious of the importance for their children to be proficient not only in the all-important English language, but also in Chinese. The emergence of China as a potential political and economic superpower has driven home to them that, becoming bilingual will not only enhance their childrens employment prospects, but also make them a man of two cultures. This drastic change in these Chinese Singaporeans perception of the usefulness of Chinese is quite remarkable. Not so long ago, they would be proud to proclaim that they knew only English and some even felt somewhat contemptuous of the Chinese culture. Today, many are regretting for not being bilingual. As if to redeem themselves, some have become ardent supporters of Chinese art and culture. They also visit China regularly in order to imbibe its splendors and rich heritage. It is common knowledge that, to master any language, especially ones mother tongue, one must begin from childhood. But there are challenges and impediments for children of English-speaking homes to surmount in their journey towards bilingualism. Take my family as an example. While my wife and I are products of English education, we had some grounding in Chinese which we kept up in our working life. But the language of communication in our home is predominantly English. We are gratified that our three children had between eight and 11 years Chinese schooling before switching over to English medium schools. Their foundation in Chinese has become an asset in their adult life. They can hold their own in the spoken language, but would find it hard to compose a business letter in Chinese through lack of usage. We have a grandson who will be two years old shortly. His parents have given my wife and I the unenviable task of making him bilingual. It is a very t