The Centre for Languages and Cultural Diplomacy (CLCD), IDFR, successfully conducted its first in-house English course of the year, “Say It Right: A Course on Pronunciation”. This course, held at the recently relocated premises of IDFR in Menara Aras Raya, was designed to enhance participants’ oral communication skills by equipping them with effective pronunciation techniques essential for professional interactions.
The course covered key aspects of pronunciation, including awareness of the English sound system, common pronunciation challenges faced by Malaysian speakers, and critical elements of effective speech such as intonation, rhythm, word and sentence stress. Mastering these elements enabled participants to refine their speech clarity and improve their overall communication skills.
A total of 27 participants from various ministries and government agencies attended the course, including representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Department of Atomic Energy, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Ministry of Plantations and Commodities, Malaysian Space Agency, Skills Development Fund Corporation (PTPK/ KESUMA), Ministry of Health and Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations.
The course received positive feedback, as participants appreciated its practical approach to improving spoken English in workplace interactions. The programme specifically addressed pronunciation difficulties unique to Malaysian speakers, particularly in producing sounds that do not exist in their native languages. Through interactive simulations and hands-on exercises, participants received constructive feedback from instructors and had the opportunity to apply pronunciation techniques in job-related scenarios. This immersive learning experience not only enhanced their speaking clarity but also boosted their confidence in professional communication.
