PENGGUNAAN BAHASA DALAM GOLONGAN KANAK-KANAK

Dalam kemahiran berbahasa, ada sebuah konsep yang disebut oleh seorang mahaguru dan ahli bahasa, iaitu "kod bahasa". Kod bahasa ini penting dimengerti dalam membina kemahiran berbahasa, tidak kira bahasa apa pun.

Profesor Basil Bernstein, adalah profesor sosiologi pendidikan di School of Education, University of London pada awal tahun 1950-an. Beliau mendapati kanak-kanak sekolah daripada golongan menengah sering menguasai dan menggunakan bahasa Inggeris standard di rumah dan sekolah. Ini ada kaitannya dengan prestasi mereka yang baik dalam semua mata pelajaran.

Kanak-kanak daripada golongan pekerja, terutama sekali dari London selatan, yang kebanyakannya berasal dari Jamaika, menggunakan bahasa yang tidak standard. Sebutan mereka tidak baku, perkataan mereka banyak kontot dan ayat-ayat mereka pendek-pendek dan percakapan mereka penuh dengan lambang dan isyarat yang mereka fahami antara mereka saja. Fenomena ini dikatakan mereka menggunakan kod bahasa terhad, iaitu terhad kepada mereka saja.

Dalam prestasi di sekolah mereka sering tidak mendapat markah yang baik untuk mata pelajaran bahasa, sastera, sejarah, geografi, dan subjek lain yang menggunakan bahasa standard. Namun prestasi mereka dalam matematik adalah sama saja dengan kanak-kanak lain.

Kajian Profesor Basil Bernstein menunjukkan bahawa bahasa kanak-kanak golongan menengah ini menggunakan "kod-kod yang sempurna" manakala kanak-kanak daripada golongan ekonomi rendah ini menggunakan "kod-kod yang terhad".

Yang dikatakan kod itu adalah sebarang unsur bahasa seperti sebutan, perkataan, ungkapan, ayat, makna, peribahasa, nahu, peraturan bercakap dan berbual, termasuk juga kata sapaan, gerak-geri memberi isyarat, ... dll.

Maka itu sebabnya, di PTS kami menggunakan Bahasa Melayu Tinggi, iaitu neka bahasa yang menggunakan kod-kod yang sempurna. Kanak-kanak golongan ekonomi rendah menggunakan kod-kod terhad. Begitu juga, kita tidak menggalakkan bahasa yang menggunakan kod-kod yang terhad dalam kalangan staf kita di PTS.

Ada suatu kesan yang tidak baik timbul akibat menggunakan kod-kod terhad ini. Kanak-kanak yang kemahiran bahasanya tidak menggunakan kod-kod yang sempurna ini, berada dalam keadaan "defisit budaya." Apabila kita menganggap bahasa itu sebahagian daripada modal kita, maka modal budaya kanak-kanak ini sudah berada dalam keadaan defisit. Ini adalah suatu disadvantej yang serius dialami oleh mereka yang tidak menggunakan bahasa neka tinggi yang mempunyai kod-kod yang sempurna.

Namun ada kajian terakhir yang menunjukkan bahawa faktor lain juga dapat menyebabkan prestasi pelajar bertambah baik. Umpamanya penglibatan ibu bapa dalam pendidikan anak-anak mereka secara positif menunjukkan itu membawa kesan baik terhadap prestasi pelajar. Mungkin tidak disebabkan oleh sekadar budaya tinggi saja.

Keprihatinan terhadap budaya lain juga patut diambil kira. Ada unsur dalam budaya orang kulit hitam umpamanya, yang dapat memberi advantej juga kepada prestasi pelajar.  Namun ini tidak menafikan kepentingan budaya dan akibat defisit budaya.

Di Malaysia, memahami budaya masyarakat Cina dan India dan sebaliknya mereka yang prehatin terhadap budaya Melayu tentu sekali membawa manfaat, katakan dalam alam pekerjaan.

Ulangan entri lama pada 17 April 2016

Abdullah Hassan

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10 TIPS TO MAINTAIN HYDRATION DURING RAMADAN

Ramadan involves fasting from dawn to sunset, and it's crucial to stay hydrated during the non-fasting hours to ensure your well-being. Here are some tips to help you maintain adequate hydration during this holy month:

1. Suhoor Hydration

• Start your day with plenty of water during suhoor (pre-dawn meal). Aim to drink at least two to three glasses of water to stay hydrated throughout the day.
• Include hydrating foods in your suhoor, such as water-rich fruits (watermelon, cucumber) and yogurt.

2. Avoid Caffeine and Sugary Drinks

• Limit or avoid caffeinated and sugary beverages, as they can lead to increased urine output and contribute to dehydration. Opt for water, natural fruit juices or herbal teas instead.

3. Break Your Fast Gradually

• When iftar time comes, break your fast with a few dates and water. This helps to replenish your glucose levels and provides immediate kickstart the rehydration process.

4. Rehydrate with Water and Electrolytes

• Drink water gradually throughout the evening after Iftar. Take small sips to ensure consistent hydration than consuming large quantities at once.
• Consider rehydration solutions or electrolyte drinks to replenish lost salts and minerals, especially if you engage in physical works.

5. Eat Hydrating Foods

• Include foods with high water content in your iftar and suhoor meals. Fruits and vegetables like watermelon, cucumber, oranges, and lettuce are good choices which can contribute to your overall fluid intake.

6. Avoid Salty Foods

• High-sodium foods can increase thirst and contribute to dehydration. Limit the intake of salty and spicy foods during iftar and suhoor. Opt for balanced and moderate meals.

7. Monitor Fluid Intake

• Keep track of your fluid intake throughout the non-fasting hours to ensure you're meeting your hydration needs. This can be particularly important in hot and humid climates.

8. Listen to Your Body

• Pay attention to your body's signals. If you feel thirsty, drink water. It's essential to stay in tune with your body's needs during fasting.

9. Use Wet Towels

• During the day, you can use wet towels or wash your face and arms with cool water to help cool your body temperature and provide a sense of refreshment and relief.

10. Include Soups

• Include hydrating soups in your iftar meal, such as clear broth-based soups. They provide both fluids and essential nutrients.

Remember that individual hydration needs may vary, so it's important to adjust these tips based on your own health, activity level, and local climate. Consistent and mindful hydration is key to ensuring your well-being during Ramadan. If you have any specific health concerns or conditions, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

 

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12 DELICIOUS DISHES FOR IFTAR - A MALAYSIAN'S DIARY

Malaysia boasts a rich culinary tradition, and during the month of Ramadan, a variety of delicious dishes are prepared for iftar (the meal to break the fast) and suhoor (pre-dawn meal). Here are some popular Malaysian Ramadan dishes:

1. Bubur Lambuk

This is a traditional rice porridge made with a mixture of meat, spices, and various herbs. It's often distributed at mosques during Ramadan.

2. Nasi Lemak

Although it's a popular dish year-round, nasi lemak is commonly enjoyed during Ramadan. It consists of fragrant rice cooked in coconut milk, served with anchovies, peanuts, boiled eggs, cucumber, and spicy sambal (chili paste).

3. Lontong

Comprising compressed rice cakes served with a coconut-based soup, lontong is a hearty dish commonly enjoyed during Ramadan. It may include ingredients like vegetables, tofu, and boiled eggs.

4. Satay

Grilled skewers of marinated meat, usually served with a delicious peanut sauce, satay is a favorite during Ramadan. Chicken and beef satay are especially popular.

5. Murtabak

This is a stuffed and folded pancake filled with minced meat (often beef or chicken), onions, and a blend of spices. It's typically served with a side of curry sauce.

6. Ayam Percik

Grilled or roasted chicken marinated in a flavorful blend of spices and coconut milk, ayam percik is a mouthwatering dish commonly enjoyed during Ramadan.

7. Roti Jala

Also known as "net bread," roti jala is a type of lacy pancake. The batter is poured in a circular motion onto a hot griddle, creating a beautiful net-like pattern. It is usually served with curries.

8. Ketupat

These are rice cakes wrapped in woven palm leaves. Ketupat is a common accompaniment to various dishes, particularly during Ramadan.

9. Serunding

Serunding is a spiced meat floss, often made with beef or chicken. It's usually served as a condiment or a side dish to be eaten with rice or bread.

10. Bubur Pulut Hitam

A sweet and comforting dessert, bubur pulut hitam is made with black glutinous rice cooked in coconut milk and sweetened with palm sugar. It's often topped with coconut cream.

11. Daging Rendang

Rendang is a flavorful and aromatic coconut beef stew, slow-cooked with a blend of spices until the meat is tender and infused with rich flavors.

12. Acar

This is a pickled vegetable dish, providing a refreshing and tangy contrast to the richness of other Ramadan dishes.

These dishes reflect the diverse cultural influences in Malaysia, creating a vibrant and delicious array of options for breaking the fast during Ramadan.

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10 RAMADAN CULTURE IN MALAYSIA

 

Ramadan, known as "Ramadhan" in Malaysia, is a significant and festive month for the Muslim-majority population in the country. The Malaysian Ramadan culture is deeply rooted in Islamic traditions but also incorporates unique local customs. Here are some aspects of Malaysian Ramadan culture:

1. Fasting (Sawm)

Fasting from dawn to sunset is the central religious practice during Ramadan. Muslims abstain from food, drink, smoking, and sinful behavior during this time as a means of self-discipline and spiritual reflection.

2. Suhoor and Iftar 

Suhoor is the pre-dawn meal before the fast begins, while iftar is the evening meal that breaks the fast at sunset. Families and communities come together for these meals, often featuring traditional Malaysian dishes.

3. Bazaars and Food Markets 

Ramadan bazaars are a vibrant part of Malaysian culture. These markets, set up in various cities and towns, offer a wide array of local and traditional foods. People flock to these bazaars to buy iftar treats and special Ramadan dishes.

4. Tarawih Prayers

Tarawih are additional nightly prayers performed by Muslims during Ramadan. Many mosques in Malaysia hold special congregational Tarawih prayers, creating a sense of community and spirituality.

5. Increased Religious Activities

Malaysians engage in increased religious activities during Ramadan, such as reading the Quran, attending religious lectures, and participating in community service and charitable activities.

6. Decorations and Lights

Streets and public spaces are adorned with colorful lights and decorations to create a festive atmosphere. Shopping malls often have Ramadan-themed decorations, and many cities organize special events and activities.

7. Television and Entertainment

During Ramadan, television programming in Malaysia is adjusted to include special shows, dramas, and religious programs. Families often gather to watch these shows together.

8. Charitable Acts (Zakat and Sadaqah)

Malaysians place a strong emphasis on charitable acts during Ramadan. Many people increase their efforts to give to those in need through the payment of zakat (obligatory almsgiving) and sadaqah (voluntary charity).

9. Family Gatherings

Ramadan is a time for family bonding and strengthening relationships. Families often come together for iftar and other activities, fostering a sense of unity and love.

10. Cultural Diversity

Malaysia's multicultural society is reflected in Ramadan celebrations. Different ethnic groups, including Malays, Chinese, and Indians, contribute to the diverse array of dishes available during this month.

Overall, Ramadan in Malaysia is a time of spirituality, reflection, and community, and it plays a crucial role in shaping the cultural identity of the nation.

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DYSTOPIAN CAUSED BY COVID-19

 

While the COVID-19 pandemic has had significant and far-reaching consequences on global society, it's essential to note that dystopian scenarios are typically characterized by extreme societal, political, or environmental degradation. As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, the situation had not escalated to a dystopian level.

However, various dystopian elements have been associated with the pandemic, and these could potentially contribute to the creation of dystopian narratives:

1. Social Fragmentation

The pandemic has exposed and exacerbated existing social inequalities. Dystopian scenarios often involve a fragmented society with stark divisions between different classes or groups.

2. Government Surveillance 

Some measures implemented to control the spread of the virus involve increased surveillance and monitoring. If these measures become permanent or are expanded to include more invasive technologies, it could raise concerns about privacy and individual freedoms.

3. Economic Fallout

The economic impact of the pandemic has been severe in many places, leading to job losses, business closures, and financial instability. In a dystopian context, this could lead to extreme poverty, a lack of resources, and social unrest.

4. Misinformation and Control

The spread of misinformation during the pandemic has highlighted issues related to information control and manipulation. In a dystopian scenario, this could be taken to extremes, with centralized control over information leading to a manipulated and controlled populace.

5. Health Crisis Escalation

If the pandemic were to evolve into a more severe health crisis with widespread loss of life, overwhelmed healthcare systems, and the collapse of social structures, it could contribute to a dystopian narrative.

It's crucial to emphasize that these elements are speculative, and the current situation may have evolved since my last update. The world's response to the pandemic will play a significant role in determining whether these elements remain temporary challenges or contribute to more profound dystopian narratives.

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