Challenges Facing Malay Language Studies in Singapore Today

Abstract

This paper serves to discuss the development of Malay Language and Literature studies in Singapore from the very beginning of the establishment of the Department of Malay Studies at the then University of Malaya in Singapore more than 70 years ago until the present time. There are currently three institutions of higher learning offering Malay Language and Literature or Malay Studies leading to an undergraduate degree and this paper will provide a quick snapshot of the content and curriculum therein with a background of the current challenges confronting the field with the current linguistic landscape in the Island republic. It will then propose a way forward as the Malay Language is experiencing a shrinking speaker base as evidenced in the latest 2020 census of population.