I am nuts

English speakers better meh?

From Mr Brown

The ad in The Guardian's classifieds:
Organisation: MINISTRY OF EDUCATION SINGAPORE

Location: Asia & Australasia
Salary:
Date posted: 15 May 2006
Closing date: 15 Jun 2006


Ministry of Education
Moulding the Future of Our Nation

Be Different.
Teach in Singapore.

The Ministry of Education (Singapore) is looking for experienced, qualified native speakers of English to teach English as a first language, English Literature, Geography, History, Knowledge and Inquiry

We are looking for teachers who:
- Hold a relevant degree in English Language or Humanities (e.g. English Literature, Geography, History, etc.)
- Have a recognised Teaching Certificate in teaching English (e.g. PGCE, TESOL, TEFL, etc.) or relevant teaching subject (e.g. Geography, History, etc.)

Newly qualified teachers are encouraged to apply but they MUST have completed the induction year.

You can look forward to:
- An attractive remuneration package (including medical and dental benefits, and bonus upon successful completion of contract), depending on qualifications and verifiable working experience
- Relocation allowance (one-time baggage and lodging allowance, free economy air passage for candidate, spouse and 2 children below the age of 18 to Singapore on first appointment)
- Return air passage upon successful completion of contract
- Interest-free settling-in loan

You can view the video recording of our online career seminar held on 23 April 2006 on the website.

All terms and conditions are subject to review and change from time to time without prior notification. The Ministry of Education (Singapore) reserves the right to decide on the terms and conditions to be offered. No reasons will be provided for selection and non-selection of candidates.

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I'm seriously quite annoyed by the decision by MOE, is it yet another case of foreign talent better than locals? As if we do not have enough competition already in every industry. And spare me the globalisation crap too, I seriously do not believe it is the issue here.

Just wondering, remember the 'problem' we had some time back with declining standards of chinese? We 'sloved' the problem by lowering the standard of Chinese teaching in singapore! It was decided that chinese was too 'difficult' to learn and that it is sufficent to be able to converse in such a way that people can understand you, or simply be able to read it is enough. Now, why is it that reasons given back then are not valid for this situation? I'm sure be it Singlish or the Queens English, the gist of the message can still be conveyed acrossed, and I do not doubt that any half baked singaporeans versed in singlish is unable to read anything written in proper english.

While I may be considered one of those younger generation that is more comfortable in english compared to chinese, I am still nevertheless very proud of my heritage, and I'm seriously concerned and appalled at the further falling of chinese standards, as well as the total disrespect that I feel it is receiving. Why is the chinese language not getting the same level of respect or importance as english? Is it due still to our colonialism past??

posted by Nutcracker @ 7:15 pm