Gan Siow Huang: No plans to introduce Chinese dialects as elective in Singapore schools

SINGAPORE: Minister of State for Education Gan Siow Huang stated that there are currently no plans to introduce Chinese dialects as an elective in primary and secondary schools in Singapore.

She affirmed that while bilingualism remains a cornerstone of Singapore’s education system, the government’s focus is on developing students’ proficiency in both English and their mother tongue languages.

She noted that students who are interested in learning dialects could explore classes organised by Chinese clan associations.

Gan was responding to a Parliamentary Question filed by Workers’ Party Member of Parliament Louis Chua on Wednesday (13 November).

Louis Chua asks if Chinese dialects can be offered as elective in existing language programmes

The Sengkang MP asked the Education Minister whether Chinese dialects could be introduced as an elective as part of the current conversational Chinese enrichment programme for students in primary and secondary schools, as well as the modular foreign languages programme pilot at the secondary level.

In his supplementary question, Mr Louis Chua acknowledged the efforts of Chinese clan associations in promoting dialects and shared his experience attending a dialect group’s dinner, where members lamented that the younger generation could not speak dialects.

He suggested the possibility of introducing pilot programmes, where Chinese dialects could be offered as an elective, even if not examinable.

Chua drew a parallel to foreign language incentives, proposing that such initiatives could help promote understanding of dialects as an important part of Singapore’s cultural identity.

Gan did not directly address Chua’s proposal but instead reiterated that the government’s focus remains on maintaining the current language policy.

She agreed that Chinese dialects are an important part of Singapore’s Chinese culture and heritage and appreciated the efforts of the clan associations in promoting them.

Gan suggested that students interested in learning dialects could not only approach Chinese clan associations but also access a wealth of online resources available for self-directed learning.