SPEAK UP, MARKAS 4 BRIGADE!
On 30th September 2021, Department of English Language, Centre for Modern Languages, Universiti Malaysia Pahang, through its Community Service Unit had conducted a CSR program with Markas 4 Briged (Mekanize). The CSR program called Speak Up! was the second collaboration between CML and Mekanize. What differentiated it from last year was, this year the program went virtual via Google Meet.
30 army personnel participated in this program along with two trainers from the Department of English Language, En. Khairul Amri bin Abdul Aziz and Pn. Nor Suhardiliana binti Sahar. Each trainer was assigned with 15 participants where they conducted activities that focused on conversational English. These activities were synchronised with the objective of the program: to encourage the participants to use English language in building rapport during their exercises with other army personnel. The session started with ice breaking where the participants were required to introduce their names and include an adjective before their nicknames. They were given a list of personality adjectives and asked to choose the adjective that started with the same alphabet as their names. The objective of this activity was to introduce the adjective of personality to the participants. This activity was followed by two truths and a lie. Each participant was required to come out with three statements; two of the statements given should be true and one should be a lie. They enjoyed this activity as they had to guess which of the statements given was a lie.
The session was then continued with the trainers giving some input on small talk. Here they learned about what is small talk, phrases used as conversation starters as well as ending the conversation, and also topics that are commonly talked about during small talk. Next, the participants were asked to draw pictures of their local attractions. This activity was a continuation of the small talk session as one of the topics covered in small talk was local attractions. It managed to get the participants to ask simple questions and narrate stories based on the pictures drawn. The highlight of the program was the role play. The participants were asked to role play the situations given to them using what they had learned through the program. It was interesting to see how the participants applied the knowledge they gained in the role play.
At the end of the program, two best participants – Ranger Izanie bin Mohd Zuki from Group 1 and Corporal Mohd Hanan bin Alias from Group 2 - were selected based on their active participation during the program. The program was closed by DEL Head of Program, Dr. Ruhil Amal binti Azmudin. In her speech, she hoped that the program had benefited everyone involved. She also hoped that the program had provided a valuable insight into the use of English language. On another note, Major Mohamad Suhaimi bin Mohamad Yusoff, Mekanize English Program Coordinator, in his appreciation speech expressed his gratitude towards the centre for organising such a fruitful program for the army personnel. He looked forward to another collaboration in the future.
Every story has an ending but an ending in life is a new beginning. It is hoped that the participants will continue to use what they have learned in this program not just during their exercises but also in their daily life.
Prepared by: Nor Suhardiliana binti Sahar
