TeechConsult's GELLpad

Malaysia is 3rd in South East Asia for (workplace) English proficiency

Teech sez: This is a great piece of news that I want to share with all of you out there. In terms of English proficiency it seems working Malaysians aren't that bad after all. Bravo!

(BUT then again, this data is based on an online self assessment. Real world proficiency though, as we researchers know, is a whole different ballgame. It should be interesting to check REAL WORLD proficiency of young Malaysian professionals too methinks...)

KUALA LUMPUR, June 7 (news items by the Malaysian National News Agency, BERNAMA)

When it comes to English proficiency, Malaysians are not at par with their neighbouring counterparts, with the country ranking third out of five countries in the English Language Assessment (ELA).

Using more than one language delays Alzheimer (brain) disease

Nov, 2010 — A Canadian science team has found dramatic evidence that speaking two languages can help delay the onset of Alzheimer's symptoms by as much as five years.

The latest study, led by Baycrest's Rotman Research Institute, examined the clinical records of more than 200 patients diagnosed with probable Alzheimer's disease.

The researchers found that those who have spoken two or more languages consistently over many years experienced a delay in the onset of their symptoms by as much as five years. The study is published in the November 9th issue of the science journal 'Neurology'.

The science team includes cognitive researcher Dr. Fergus Craik of the Rotman Research Institute; Dr. Ellen Bialystok of York University, an expert in bilingualism research; and Dr. Morris Freedman, a clinician in the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's and other dementias.