Something on Malaysian English

.... not something new .... but I think it still has its significance ......... in making the comparison.


Who says our English is teruk? (meaning is BAD/POOR)

Just read below - Ours is simple, short, concise, straight-to-the-point, effective etc. 

British English vs. Malaysian English 

WHEN GIVING A CUSTOMER BAD NEWS 
Britons: I'm sorry, sir, but we don't seem to have the sweater you want in your size, but if you give me a moment, I can call the other outlets for you.

Malaysians: No stock.

RETURNING A CALL
Britons: Hello, this is John Smith. Did anyone call for me a few moments ago?
Malaysians: Hello, who call?

ASKING SOMEONE TO MAKE WAY
Britons: Excuse me, I would like to get by. Would you please make way?
Malaysians: S-kew me.

WHEN SOMEONE OFFERS TO PAY 
Britons: Hey! Put your wallet away, this drink is on me.
Malaysians: No need lah.

WHEN ASKING FOR PERMISSION
Britons: Excuse me, but do you think it would be possible for me to enter through this door?
Malaysians: (pointing at the door) Can ah?

WHEN ENTERTAINING
Britons: Please make yourself right at home.

Malaysians: No need shy shy one lah!

WHEN DOUBTING SOMEONE 
Britons: I don't recall you giving me the money.
Malaysians: Where got?

WHEN DECLINING AN OFFER
Britons: I would prefer not to do that, if you don't mind.
Malaysians: Don't want lah.

IN DISAGREEING ON A TOPIC OF DISCUSSION
Britons: Err...Tom, I have to stop you there. I understand where you're coming from, but I really have to disagree with what you said about the issue.

Malaysians: You mad ah?

WHEN ASKING SOMEONE TO LOWER THEIR VOICE.
Britons: Excuse me, but could you please lower your voice? I'm trying to concentrate over here.
Malaysians: Shut up lah!

WHEN ASKING SOMEONE IF HE/SHE KNOWS YOU.
Britons: Excuse me, but I noticed you staring at me for sometime. Do I know you?

Malaysians: See what, see what?

WHEN ASSESSING A TIGHT SITUATION. 
Britons: We seem to be in a bit of a predicament at the moment..
Malaysians: Die lah!!

WHEN TRYING TO FIND OUT WHAT HAD HAPPENED
Britons: Will someone tell me what has just happened?
Malaysians: What happened ah? Why like that one lah?

WHEN SOMEONE DID SOMETHING WRONG
Britons: This isn't the way to do it. Here, let me show you.
Malaysians: Like that also don't know how to do!

WHEN ONE IS ANGRY
Britons: Would you mind not disturbing me?
Malaysians: Celaka you!

So which would you prefer? Send this to your Malaysian friends and let them have a laugh too. Good day!

Malaysians: Sent oredi mah!

ASEAN - an introductory brief

Malaysia .... is a member of ASEAN (Association of SouthEast Asian Nations) .....  with a membership of 10 countries, namely Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore. Myanmar, Thailand, Brunei, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Philippines...... a population of over 580 million for the ASEAN 10.

For details, you can go to the official website of ASEAN on  http://www.aseansec.org

This brief is a start up article on ASEAN .... and I do feel that when we look at Malaysia, one should also consider perspectives from the ASEAN context, .... as it has implications when we talk about lifestyles, food, culture, and even businesses.......

And, the argument is underpinned by the fact  that ASEAN is moving into a path of integration ... 2015 is set for ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) to be realised .... making it a single market and Single production base ..... with freedom in the  movement of goods and services, labour and capital across region.

To be continued ....... but are there problems?

50 cents coin (malaysia)