English dominated schooling and public life, so I learned it quickly through nursery rhymes, cartoons, and classroom lessons. At home, parents insisted on our mother tongue to preserve culture and values. This dual demand caused friction: English was rewarded in exams and careers, while slipping in my mother tongue drew family concern. I often felt torn between the clear utility of English and the emotional pull of my heritage language.
Singapore, a nation known for its linguistic diversity, has embarked on a remarkable journey to promote bilingualism. As a lifelong challenge, the country's bilingual policy aims to foster a society where citizens can communicate effectively in multiple languages. English dominated schooling and public life, so I
: He documents the "pain" of teachers and students caught in rapid transitions, such as the overnight shift from Chinese-medium to English-medium instruction. The Legacy of the Policy My Lifelong Challenge Singapore's Bilingual Journey I often felt torn between the clear utility
