4
-NiE ,
2 AUGUST 2017
INTERMEDIATE Valuing diversity
NiE Activity 1 Critical thinking ● Identify
● Organise
Creative thinking ● Imagine
● Connect
Celebrate our cultural heritage
EVERY country is uniquely different from another. The differences could be seen in terms of their buildings (or architecture), food, customs, languages or even people, among others. For example, in England, you will find Buckingham Palace where the Queen lives. In China, on the other hand, you will see the Forbidden City. It used to be the imperial palace (or the home of Chinese emperors) but is now a museum. Both have different architecture and historical backgrounds. The differences do not stop there. Can you state a few other differences between England and China? Malaysia is also unique in its own way. Here, you will find a wide range of food, fashion styles, festivals, etc. All these are possible because our country is made up of various ethnic groups. Each ethnic group – Malay, Chinese, Indian, Iban, Kadazan-Dusun and others – has its own cultures and customs.
Malaysian performers in traditional costumes performing during a National Day celebration. – File photo
Problem solving ● Question ● Research
● Present
Communicating ● Oral ● Written
How well do you know the various ethnic groups in Malaysia and their cultures? In groups of four, complete the following table using information taken from The Star. Include pictures from the newspapers, where possible, to serve as examples. Do this activity on a sheet of A3 paper.
● Aural
Ethnic group
Collaborating ● Listen ● Contribute respectfully
● Attain goal
Cultural feature
Food
Costume
Festival
Malay
Kadazan-Dusun Other: _________ (please specify) After you are done, present your work in class. At the end of the lesson, reflect on what you have learnt.
Critical thinking ● Identify
● Reason
Creative thinking ● Brainstorm ● Connect
Problem solving ● Question
● Research
Communicating ● Oral
● Aural
Collaborating ● Listen ● Contribute respectfully
Before the activity
After the activity
Example:
Iban
Read the following passage, which is adapted from an article published in StarMetro on June 3, 2017. Then, discuss the questions below in your group.
1. Rate how well you know the various ethnic groups in Malaysia and their cultures (on a scale of one to five stars):
2. What are three cultural features of the ethnic groups that you would like to experience? Why?
Chinese Indian
NiE Activity 2
Personal reflection:
a. ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ b. ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ c. ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________
Unity in diversity a priceless gift
KUCHING: The Gawai celebration in Sarawak is a timely reminder that Malaysia is a nation of many races and cultures who should come together for the common goal of unity in diversity, Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said. The 1Malaysia Foundation trustee said Sarawak is a model of what the people could do to bring about greater unity and promote moderation. “When it comes to promoting integration among the people, Sarawak is a good example. There are over 40 ethnic groups in the state and yet everyone can interact with one another. Hence, we came up with the idea to make Kuching a City of Unity (in 2015),” said Lee. Lee called on Malaysians to accept one another as fellow countrymen regardless of race or religion and be proud of identifying themselves as Malaysians first. “I always believe that being a Malaysian does not make anyone less a Malay, Chinese, Indian, Kadazan, Iban or other ethnicity. “Malaysians of different ethnic origins must always be conscious of the need to have mutual respect for one another,” he said. Lee also said the most urgent task of all Malaysians is to ensure racial and religious harmony and reject all forms of extremism which could undermine peace and harmony in the country. “Multiracial living and community are part of our heritage. Unity in diversity is a priceless gift that must be cherished by all Malaysians,” he added.
● Attain goal
1. How do you think Malaysians can show unity in diversity? Give three examples. 2. Why is Sarawak a good model for promoting integration among the people, according to Lee? 3. “I always believe that being a Malaysian does not make anyone less a Malay, Chinese, Indian, Kadazan, Iban or other ethnicity.” What do you understand from this quote? 4. What do you think are some benefits of a multiracial community? List out five. 5. Have you contributed to making your city a “city of unity”? If yes, in what way? If not, what are some improvements you can make in this regard?