UM don: Malaysia's languages under threat

The Star

2 days ago

Languages go beyond mere communication – they embody a community's culture, practices and way of thinking, said award-winning endangered language research expert Prof Dr Stefanie Shamila Pillai from Universiti Malaya (UM).
Malaysia, she said, is home to over 130 languages, with more than 70% being indigenous – most of which are under threat.
'When we lose a language, we lose a part of our soul.
'It is really important for us to keep using our languages and to document and revitalise our languages,' she told reporters after the 14th edition of the 2024 UM Excellence Awards (ACUM) on May 20.
Prof Stefanie Shamila, from the Department of English Language at the varsity's Faculty of Languages and Linguistics, was honoured with the UM Academic Figure Award at the ACUM.
The award, presented by the UM chancellor, the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah, recognised her contributions to the study of Malaysian English varieties and the preservation of heritage languages.
She is the first Malaysian to document and archive endangered languages in Malaysia, specifically the Malaccan Portuguese language, through the Endangered Languages Archive (Endangered Languages Documentation Programme).
Reflecting on her decades-long career, she said the award was deeply meaningful after more than 30 years at UM.
'My motto is that we should not only adjust to the level of education, but also give an impact to the country and especially to the community.
'Even though I'm not a scientist, I believe linguists can make a strong impact on the community. UM has always instilled that spirit in us,' she shared.
She said she began studying the Melaka Portuguese language in 2009, with formal documentation starting in 2011.
Beyond research and archiving, she has also worked closely with the community to develop learning tools, including mobile applications, aimed at reviving the use of the language.
When asked what educational value heritage and minority language can bring to students in the classroom, she said multilingual children often show better cognitive and emotional development.
'It's not just about academic achievement – it's about empathy, respect, and learning to value others,' she said.
Prof Stefanie Shamila was among four recipients from the Faculty of Languages and Linguistics who were recognised for their contributions.
The others were faculty dean Prof Dr Surinderpal Kaur Chanan Singh, and senior lecturers Dr Sharifah Ayeshah Syed Mohd Noori and Dr Lau Su Kia.
The awards were presented for Excellent Academic Administrator (Academic Responsibility Centre), Highest External Grant Recipient (International), and Excellent Academic Staff (Teachers/Education Service Officers), respectively.
UM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Seri Dr Noor Azuan Abu Osman said the awards were the university's highest form of recognition for individuals who have demonstrated exceptional achievements in their respective fields.
'The individual and collective excellence we celebrate today directly contributes to the enhancement of UM's international reputation,' he said in his key address.
He also highlighted UM's research achievements, noting that the university secured RM163.37mil in grants last year, a 42% increase from 2023, reflecting growing confidence in its research capabilities.
'This research contribution translates into the production of 4,325 publications throughout 2024, an increase of 15% compared to 3,749 publications in 2023,' he said.
A total of 59 staff members, individuals, research centres and corporate bodies were honoured at the ACUM in 45 different categories.
Other award categories include the Special Award for High-Impact Individual Contributor, Special Award for Strategic Thinker Partner, Excellent Researcher (Clinical Field), Top Citation Researcher (Science Field), Excellent Academic Administrator (Academic Department), and Excellent Academic Staff.
The UM ACUM is an annual event held to honour outstanding UM staff and corporate bodies in recognition of their contributions to the university.
Also present at the ceremony were UM pro-chancellor Toh Puan Dr Aishah Ong and UM board chairman Tan Sri Zarinah Anwar.