Dr Martin Lamb

Can you tell us about your research, work and expertise in Southeast Asia?

Indonesia has been my ‘second home’ ever since I worked as a VSO English teacher in Hasanuddin University, Ujung Pandang (Makassar) in 1984 to 1986. When I gave my first public lecture, it was mistakenly advertised by an elderly clerk as Martin Lamb, VOC (the Dutch East India Company) – that’s how long ago it was. When my volunteering post was over I stayed on in Indonesia to work for the British Council in Jakarta and then Yogyakarta till 1990. I returned for another BC project in Sumatra from 1997-99, and since coming to Leeds I’ve maintained links with Indonesia through teaching, research and marriage.

Right from the start I’ve understood that education in Indonesia (as everywhere) serves its own purposes, was deeply influenced by local culture(s) and should not be expected to copy practices in the west. But I also became quickly aware how valuable English language skills could be to young Indonesians and have tried over my career to understand how individuals’ motivation to learn could translate into proficiency, with the help of teachers.