Fatimah (left) receiving copies of the newly-launched books from Dr Abdul Muati.
KUCHING: The working papers presented at the 3rd International Seminar on Psycholinguistics should be made available to relevant agencies or organisations, says Welfare, Women and Family Development Minister Datuk Fatimah Abdullah.
“With around 60 working papers being presented at this two-day seminar, it is hoped that they can be used by relevant agencies, non-governmental organisations or associations.
“These working papers will assist them in reaching out to their target groups as the topics are more focused,” she said prior to officiating at the seminar at a leading hotel here yesterday.
Fatimah pointed out communication skills and psycholinguistics was a field that studies the psychological and neurobiological factors that enable people to gain, use and understand languages.
“The ability to speak or communicate is very important in the development of a person’s life.
Communication is equally important in building an individual’s self-confidence and self-esteem.
“Knowledge in this field should be shared so more people understand what is it all about and will be able to use the knowledge to help others.
“Results of research will remain research if not shared.
It defeats the purpose of carrying out research if nobody reaps the benefits of research.
“The working papers should be published in journals that can be accessed by the public, such as placed in libraries throughout the state,” she said.
Themed “Psycholinguistics in the Community”, the seminar was organised by the Malaysian Psycholinguistics Association in collaboration with Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) and the Tun Abdul Razak Teachers’ Training College Kota Samarahan.
The official opening ceremony also saw the launch of three books.
Also present were UPM Modern Languages and Communications Faculty dean Associate Prof Dr Abdul Muati @ Zamri Ahmad, UPM Modern Languages and Communications Faculty deputy dean Associate Prof Dr Arbaie Sujud, UPM Modern Languages and Communications Faculty Bahasa Melayu Department chief Associate Prof Dr Adi Yasran Abdul Aziz and seminar organising chairperson Associate Prof Dr Noor Aina Dani.