Is Taalbeleid Voor Molukkers Nodig?

Over the last decade, the position of Moluccan pupils in the Dutch educational system has not improved. Undoubtedly, their Dutch language skills are a major factor in their chances of success. Yet Moluccan parents and Dutch teachers do not seem to be overly concerned about these language skills nor do they press for specific strategies in language teaching and language acquisition.This paper offers a summary of linguistic research on Moluccans in the last decade. Research has focused on several aspects, such as the vitality of Moluccan Malay as a minority language, the attitudes of parents towards bilingualism and bilingual education, the Dutch language skills of pupils in primáty and secondary education or the extent of literacy within the Moluccan community. The outcome should convince both parents and teachers that educational policies should include Moluccan pupils. The research provides some insights into the causes of the lack of progress. Still, until now, factors like the use of Dutch in Moluccan homes and local communities or the quality of interaction within the classroom have not been researched at all. Further research is needed to help improve the language policies of Dutch schools towards Moluccan pupils.