Jun 13, 2009

British English vs. Malay English

Who says our Malay English is teruk? Just see below - Ours is simple, short, concise, straight-to-point, effective, etc...

WHEN GIVING A CUSTOMER BAD NEWS
British: 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.
We say: No Stock.

RETURNING A CALL
British: Hello, this is John Smith. Did anyone page for me a few moments ago?
We say: Hello, who page?

ASKING SOMEONE TO MAKE WAY
British: Excuse me, I'd like to get by. Would you please make way?
We say: S-kews me.

WHEN SOMEONE OFFERS TO PAY
British: Hey, put your wallet away, this drink is on me.
We say: No need lah..

WHEN ASKING FOR PERMISSION
British: Excuse me, but do you think it would be possible for me to enter through this door?
We say: (pointing the door) can ar?

WHEN ENTERTAINING
British: Please make yourself right at home.
We say: Don't be shy lah!

WHEN DOUBTING SOMEONE
British: I don't recall you giving me the money.
We say: Where got? (Mana ada?)

WHEN DECLINING AN OFFER
British: I'd prefer not to do that, if you don't mind.
We say: Don't want la...

IN DISAGREEING ON A TOPIC OF DISCUSSION
British: 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.
We say: You crazy, ah?

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

WHEN ASKING SOMEONE IF HE/SHE KNOWS YOU
British: Excuse me, but I noticed you staring at me for some time.. Do I know you?
We say: See what, see what?

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

WHEN TRYING TO FIND OUT WHAT HAD HAPPENED
British: Will someone tell me what has just happened?
We say: What happen? Why like that?

WHEN SOMEONE DID SOMETHING WRONG
British: This isn't the way to do it.. here, let me show you..
We say: Like that also don't know how to do ah?!!!!

WHEN ONE IS ANGRY
British: Would you mind not disturbing me?
We say: Celaka u

So what's wrong with our language...? Simple, short, concise, to the point and effective...

Effectiveness is what communication is all about.

(^_^) have a go0d laugh..hehe

3 comments:

Eng Einy said...

haha..sakit perot gelak..

belas_kasihan16 said...

anda memandang dari sudut itu..
ade je yg berbudi bahase..
yg bgus PR nye~

neesa_jun said...

hahaha...suka baca neh...