The influence of acculturation on bilingual education on in Brunei Darussalam

Abstract

At a recent conference held in Brunei (Bilingualism and National Development (BAND91)) I delivered an optimistic appraisal of Brunei's bilingual education system. Nevertheless, even while delivering that paper, I retained nagging doubts and uncertainties about the implementation of the system. During the course of the conference a number of speakers made reference to Brunei. Then, but more clearly afterwards, when I had the opportunity to study the papers presented at leisure, the link between the activities of the Ministry of Education and the society onto which it wants to impress its education system became more apparent. One eminent academic after another gave approval to the bilingual education system being implemented in Brunei - much to the satisfaction, if not relief, of those of us involved in its implementation. But what also emerged is that although it is possible to monitor and adjust an education system, it is far more difficult, but none the less critical, to positively influence the society which has to receive that system.