00:00Educationists say children should be introduced to English early due to their natural language
00:06learning abilities and the need for a strong foundation in fluency. Independent scholar
00:11Sharifa Munira Alatas and Parent Action Group for Education chairman Nur Azim Rahim agreed that
00:17children can acquire multiple languages at once and early dual language exposure foster stronger
00:22linguistic competence. Munira said children up to seven can absorb a second language almost as
00:28naturally as their first as they are curious and less self-conscious than adults. She urged parents,
00:35not just schools, to create conducive language learning environments and called on politicians
00:40and policy makers to promote bilingualism. Azima supported this, citing decades of research
00:46showing that bilingualism does not confuse or delay children's speech. She warned that delaying English
00:52learning makes mastery harder as late learners think in their native language, translate into
00:56English and struggle with fluency and academic materials. Both scholars emphasize that early
01:02exposure, especially between ages three and seven, builds a strong base, positive attitude and smoother
01:09path toward English proficiency. Dani Trogiriza, FMT
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