Dr. Nurizah Md Ngadiran and her colleagues from the Academy of Language Studies at Universiti Teknologi MARA in Shah Alam suggest that learning a language can be made more enjoyable by incorporating pop culture, such as anime and music, into the learning process. This approach not only improves language proficiency but also provides exposure to cultural components like festivals and social hierarchy, promoting empathy and a broader perspective on the world. By making language learning a fun adventure, learners are motivated to improve their listening and pronunciation skills, ultimately using the language more responsibly and politely.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/what-you-think/2024/12/23/the-positive-effect-of-pop-culture-in-enhancing-language-skills-nurizah-md-ngadiran-nurhidayatie-md-adnan-and-nur-suhaila-aminudin/160861In Melbourne, early learning centres have been hosting events that promote inclusivity by replacing traditional gender-centric terms with non-gendered words. This shift in thinking was sparked by a resource from Early Childhood Australia, which provided educators with guidance on how to include diverse families in celebrations such as Mother's and Father's Day. The guide suggests giving children the option to make a gift for a 'special adult' who may not be their biological parent, aiming to reduce gender stereotypes and promote inclusivity.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14211935/mothers-day-cancelled-melbourne.htmlWei Yee, a 21-year-old student in Terengganu, initially had reservations about moving to the state due to its predominantly Malay population and cultural differences from her home state. However, she found the locals to be kind and respectful, and over time developed an appreciation for their culture. Despite facing challenges such as finding a house to rent due to concerns about non-halal items, Wei Yee was able to stay in a hostel provided by the IPG she is enrolled in. She has made friends with her roommate Nur Farisya Hame Azizon and others at the IPG, and has learned that communication is key to bridging cultural gaps. Wei Yee believes that inclusivity is crucial for understanding and appreciating everyone while breaking down stereotypes, and notes that small differences between races can create a vibrant and enriching environment. She hopes to contribute to promoting inclusivity in Malaysia as part of the BRATs Young Journalist Programme run by The Star's Newspaper-in-Education team.
https://www.thestar.com.my/news/education/2024/12/15/from-melaka-to-terengganuIndonesian Minister of Education and Culture Zon emphasized the importance of preserving and promoting pencak silat as a cultural heritage. He noted that pencak silat is not only a physical exercise, but also cultivates values such as honesty, mutual understanding, and humility. To promote pencak silat globally, Zon suggested using technology and digital media, as well as collaborating with international partners to introduce Indonesian pencak silat athletes through films and other media. The UNESCO recognized pencak silat as a world intangible cultural heritage in 2019, prompting efforts from figures, elders, coaches, schools, and organizations in Indonesia to preserve the tradition.
https://en.antaranews.com/news/338041/ministry-to-include-pencak-silat-in-school-curriculum?utm_source=antaranews&utm_medium=desktop&utm_campaign=top_newsIndian Minister Dharmendra Pradhan emphasized the importance of learning in one's native language, stating that it is a natural trait for non-English speakers to master skills in their mother tongue. He noted that 80% of India's population identifies as native language speakers and that their languages are repositories of history, tradition, and folklore. Pradhan also highlighted the benefits of education beginning in one's native language, citing its ability to facilitate a seamless transition for children who flourish with creativity and emotional intelligence when learning in their mother tongue.
https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/education-minister-dharmendra-pradhan-says-mother-tongue-is-key-to-creative-and-critical-thinking-7222397KL Shakespeare Players (KLSP), a theatre troupe, partnered with Yayasan Sime Darby's "Storytelling in English: Crossing Borders" initiative to tour a unique storytelling production to rural schools in Malaysia. The production featured interactive performances that included singing, movement, and dancing, accompanied by animated illustrations projected onto a screen. The goal was to create an immersive English language experience for young pupils while promoting learning through engaging performances. In some schools with lower English proficiency, actors translated key phrases into the local language to facilitate understanding. Teachers reported that students retained expressions from the online performances for future use and incorporated them into their studies. KLSP plans to develop another indigenous folktale into a performance and collect untold stories from local communities during their tour.
https://www.thestar.com.my/news/education/2024/12/08/class-act-for-english-learningThe author expresses optimism about the potential for future generations to come together intellectually and culturally, citing their ability to read as a key factor in facilitating understanding and productive debate on important issues. The author specifically mentions Gen-Z, Gen-Alpha, and Gen-Beta, suggesting that they believe these demographics will be able to navigate complex social and cultural differences more effectively due to their shared literacy skills.
https://www.khaleejtimes.com/lifestyle/how-is-generation-alpha-dealing-with-digital-connectivityDr Kalhoro, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sindh in Jamshoro, emphasized that "Sindh Culture Day" is a celebration that serves as a reminder of the region's rich heritage and identity. He highlighted the importance of preserving and promoting Sindhi language, traditions, and cultural values for future generations. The university has taken steps to promote these values through events such as student performances, including speeches, poetry recitations, dance tableaux, and stalls showcasing various games. Dr Kalhoro also underscored the significance of education in progress and highlighted the university's commitment to supporting deserving students by providing scholarships, with a total amount of Rs850 million distributed during his four-year tenure as Vice-Chancellor.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40335029/su-marks-sindh-culture-day-with-great-zealDr Preeti Adani, Chairperson of the Adani Foundation and wife of Gautam Adani, highlighted the importance of art and culture in education and society during a book launch event. The two books launched were "Kathak Rachnaon Ka Saundarya Bodh" and "Raja Chakradhar Singh", which focus on the history of Kathak dance and its preservation by Raja Chakradhar Singh, the founder of the Raigarh Gharana.
https://www.ndtv.com/video/art-transcends-caste-creed-and-colour-dr-preeti-adani-at-book-launch-event-865834?hp#pfrom=home-ndtv_video