The language month is important to raise the community’s awareness on the official language of this country that is experiencing a wave of challenges. We need to be strong to face such challenge and defend its sovereignty.
This was said by Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi bin Haji Mohamad at the 2024 Language Month celebration organised by the Language and Literature Bureau (DBP) at The Mall in Gadong yesterday.
The minister added, “To uphold His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s titah, the DBP under the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports is committed to the empowerment of the Malay language as an official language and national heritage.
“The event is to instil our love and interest in the Malay language to increase efforts in making this language sovereign, in addition to support and gain cooperation from various parties.
“The purpose of the language month is for the community to cultivate a sense of knowing the beauty of the official language of this country.
“Every July, the DBP holds a language month as declared by His Majesty in a titah during the 50th Golden Jubilee celebration of Malay Language and Literature.”
Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi also said, “One of the best ways to strengthen the language is to enhance knowledge about it, in accordance with this year’s theme, ‘Empowering the Malay language’.”
The ceremony yesterday also showcased a 10-minute book reading session and welcoming speech by DBP Acting Director Hajah Haireni binti Haji Damit.
The ceremony proceeded with the language pledge by students of Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Secondary School.
This year, the event also presented a special appearance from the Ambassadors of Language and Rhythmic presentation by the students of Institut Tahfiz Al-Quran Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah.
The minister then launched the 2024 Language Month celebration and the latest books published by the DBP – Dinamika Bahasa Melayu Volume 3, Kitani Terminology Mini Book and Food Dictionary.
Certificates and prizes for outstanding students of Malay language and Malay literature for the Brunei-Cambridge GCE ‘O’ and ‘A’ Level examinations in 2023 to 17 students, winners of the Bahana Short Story Writing and Literary Criticism Contest 2023, winners of the Beriga Journal General Article Writing Contest 2023-2024, the panel of contest judges, strategic partners and participants of the show were also presented.
A number of activities and exhibitions were also held at the shopping complex. – Azlan Othman
