Serving as a tutor for lower-upper sixth, standard 5-6 and form 3-5 students for subjects Pengajian Am, Bahasa Melayu, Sejarah & Science. (•STPM •SPM •IGCSE)

Find out more about Amira

• Do you speak this language fluently because of your origins or because a teacher inspired you to learn?

  I speak Bahasa Melayu fluently due to my origins. Growing up in Malaysia, it was my mother tongue, and I was naturally immersed in the language. However, it was my teachers who helped me appreciate the nuances, beauty, and depth of the language through literature and culture

• Can you name a living, historical or fictional character that you think is the emblematic representative of the language's culture?

  An emblematic representative of Bahasa Melayu's culture would be Hang Tuah, a legendary warrior from the 15th century during the Malacca Sultanate. He is known for his loyalty, wisdom, and bravery, qualities that are deeply rooted in Malay culture. Hang Tuah's story is a symbol of the values Malaysians hold respect, honor, and a strong sense of duty.

• Is there a typical word, phrase, tradition or behaviour in the language that you particularly like?

  One phrase that I particularly like is "Bersatu kita teguh, bercerai kita roboh," which means "United we stand, divided we fall." This phrase reflects the communal spirit and the importance of unity in the Malay culture, something I strive to instil in my students through collaborative learning.

• Why does speaking this language matter to you?

  Speaking Bahasa Melayu matters to me because it connects me to my roots, culture, and community. It allows me to understand the rich heritage of Malaysia and helps foster a sense of national identity. More importantly, teaching this language helps preserve it for future generations and provides non-native speakers an opportunity to engage with Malaysian culture.

• What is the main difficulty in learning this language and what can help the process of learning?

  The main difficulty in learning Bahasa Melayu is mastering its sentence structure and understanding the subtleties of the language's many forms of politeness. Since the language is highly context-based, learners need to grasp formal, informal, and honorific usage. A great way to overcome these challenges is through regular practice, engaging in conversations, and immersing oneself in the culture through media such as films, songs, and literature.

• Do you have a valuable anecdote related to your language learning or your days at school?

  I recall my own school days when we were tasked with creating traditional Malay pantun (a form of poetry) in a Bahasa Melayu class. It was a challenge, but it pushed me to think creatively about the language. That experience showed me how beautiful and versatile Bahasa Melayu could be. It is one of the reasons why I enjoy teaching the language - watching my students discover its creative potential gives me a deep sense of fulfilment.

• How has travel or a specific trip helped you to increase your skill and knowledge of the language?

  Travelling within Malaysia itself, especially to different states like Kelantan and Terengganu, has enhanced my understanding of the various dialects of Bahasa Melayu. Each region has its own variation, and by immersing myself in those environments, I was able to pick up on new vocabulary and pronunciations, which I now share with my students to broaden their perspective of the language.

• What makes you a Superprof in language?

  Language subject is my deep passion for education and my ability to adapt my teaching methods to suit each student's unique learning style. I focus on making the language approachable and I can teach others subjects.