There is a Chinese saying that goes something like this: If you don’t open your mouth, no one will say you’re dumb. The wisdom of this saying points to the fact there are times we need to be silent. Can you think of those moments?

However there are times we need to speak up. If a wrong is done, should we remain silent? If people are killed without cause or reason, should we just let it be?

Language exists so that we can communicate what’s stored within our being. Most of the time we think language is synoymous with talking. But as pointed out earlier, silence can be a way of communicating our intentions.

In your respective blogs, I’d like you to share with me your thoughts on when we should speak up and when we should remain silent.

Prof Higgins has written an interesting post on “Fun with Pronunciation”.

Please check it out as it has an interesting video clip on phonetics.

What is your comment/reflection about Prof Higgin’s post?

Do you think culture affects English Language in Malaysia?

What is your view?

Do you have any interesting stories to share on how you learned English in our multicultural society?

Try to find an interesting website/link that discusses the role and significance of English Language in Malaysia and add it to the blog.

Maybe you would like to read what our former Prime Minister feels about this issue at the following link:

• Dr M: Mastering English will not erode importance of Bahasa Malaysia

How do you get your message across? By talking or by gesticulating? View the video clip and comment.