Open Access
Socioeconomic Status and English Language Proficiency in Malaysian Children: A Case Study
4
Senior Lecturer, Department of Language and Literacy Education, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
4
Professor of English Language Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Bangi, Malaysia
Abstract
This study investigates the relationship between family household income and English language proficiency among children in Malaysia. Recognizing English's pivotal role in global communication and national development, this research examines how socioeconomic status, particularly within the B40, M40, and T20 income classifications, influences children's acquisition of English. A case study approach was adopted, synthesizing existing literature on parental involvement, home language environments, and educational policies in Malaysia. Findings suggest a significant correlation between higher household income and enhanced English proficiency, attributed to factors such as access to resources, quality educational opportunities, and a more conducive home language environment. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to bridge the English language proficiency gap among children from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds in Malaysia.
How to Cite
Dr. Aishah binti Rahman, & Prof. David Tan Chee Keong. (2024). Socioeconomic Status and English Language Proficiency in Malaysian Children: A Case Study. Frontiers in Social Thoughts and Humanity, 1(1), 21–26. Retrieved from https://irjernet.com/index.php/fsth/article/view/39
References
Abdul Ghafar, M. B. (2017). The importance of English language in Malaysia. Journal of Language Teaching and Research, 9(4), 799-804.
Ahmad, S. Z., & Saad, Z. M. (2015). The Influence of Parental Attitudes on Children's English Language Use in Malaysia.
Amin, R. M., & Idris, N. I. (2013). Children's English Language Use in Multilingual Families in Malaysia. Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development, 34(5).
English language proficiency definition. (n.d.). Law Insider. https://www.lawinsider.com/dictionary/english-language-proficiency
Hoffman, C., & Sawyer, M. (2017). The Impact of the Home Language Environment on the English Proficiency of Children. Child Development, 8(2), 427–436.
Ishak, N.A., Satar N.H.M., Zakaria R.H., (2020). Parental Involvement In Education Among Urban Families In Malaysia. Journal of Southeast Asian Studies, 25(2).
Kim, Y. K., Curby, T. W., & Winsler, A. (2014). Child, family, and school characteristics related to English proficiency development among low-income, dual language learners. Developmental psychology, 50(12), 2600.
Leung, C. Y. W., McBride-Chang, C., & Lai, B. P. Y. (2004). Relations among maternal parenting style, academic competence, and life satisfaction in Chinese early adolescents. The Journal of Early Adolescence, 24(2), 113–143.
Malik, R., & Idris, N. (2016). English Language Education in Malaysia: Challenges and Strategies.
Ministry of Education, Malaysia. (n.d.). National Language Act 1967. Retrieved from https://www.moe.gov.my/en/muat-turun/peraturan-dan-garis-panduan/akta-bahasa-kebangsaan-1967
Ministry of Education. (2019). Study on Children's Interest towards Learning English Language in Malaysia. Retrieved from: [Ministry of Education website]
Ministry of Education. (2019). Study on Parents' Awareness of the Importance of English Language Proficiency in Malaysia. Retrieved from: [Ministry of Education website]
Mohd. Nadzir Osman. (2013). Parental Involvement in English Language Learning: A Study of Malaysian Families. International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Research, 3(9), pp. 162-170.
Norazah Mohd Suki (2018). The Role of Malay as a Bridge Language in English Language Learning among Malaysian Children. Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development, 39(4), pp. 318-334.
NU Malaysia. (2020). Study on Multilingual Children in Malaysia: Challenges and Benefits. Retrieved from: [National University of Malaysia website]
Pillai, S., & Ong, L. T. (2018). English (es) in Malaysia.
Romelli, R. H. (2022, June 22). Income Classification in Malaysia: What is B40, M40, and T20. iProperty.com. https://www.iproperty.com.my/guides/what-is-b40-m40-t20-in-malaysia-67464
Ruzita Mohd Amin and Noraini Idris (2013). English Language Education in Multilingual Schools in Malaysia. Journal of Education and Practice, 4(10), pp. 34-38.
Singh G.K.S., & Nagarajah G.D., (2024). Parents’ Involvement In Young Children’s English Language Education Post Pandemic. International Journal of Academic Research In Progressive Education And Development, 13(1). E-ISSN: 2226-6348.
Siti Zalina Ahmad and Zainab Mat Saad (2015). The Influence of English Language Curriculum on Students' English Language Proficiency in Malaysia. International Journal of Social Science and Humanity, 5(2), pp. 110-114.
Thirusanku, J., & Yunus, M. M. (2014). Status of English in Malaysia. Asian Social Science, 10(14), 254.
UM. (2018). Study on the Cognitive Development of Multilingual Children in Malaysia. Retrieved from: [University of Malaya website]
Yamat, Hamidah (2019). English Language Competency among Malaysian Children: A Socialisation Process.