Wednesday, August 2, 2006

Manglish me??

Oh dear..

Manglish,

which is basically the dark side of
Malaysian English. Well, here are some funny examples.

Malaysia English vs British English ... Who says our English is teruk? Just see
below - Ours is simple,short,concise, straight-to-point, effective etc. The
English did invent the English Language, but they cannot use it economically
when communicating their intentions. Compare these phrases that Malaysians and
Britons use to say the same thing:



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 page for me a few moments ago?

Malaysians: Hallo, who page?



ASKING SOMEONE TO MAKE WAY

Britons: Excuse me, I'd like to get by. Would you please make way?

Malaysians: S-kew me / X-Cercise 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 the door) can ar?

WHEN ENTERTAINING

Britons: Please make yourself right at home.

Malaysians: Don't be shy, lah!

WHEN DOUBTING SOMEONE

Britons: I don't recall you giving me the money.

Malaysians: Where got?

WHEN DECLINING AN OFFER

Britons: I'd prefer not to do that, if you don't mind.

Malaysians: Doe-waaaan!

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: Shaddap lah!

WHEN ASKING SOMEONE IF HE/SHE KNOWS YOU.

Britons: Excuse me, but I noticed you staring at me for some time. 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: Wat happen Why liedat????ADUI!!! (jumping to conclusion)

WHEN SOME ONE DID SOMETHING WRONG

Britons: This isn't the way to do it. Here, let me show you.

Malaysians:Hoi!!!u pig ar liedat also doe no how to do!!!!

So there you have it. I guess they have a point, sometimes the Malaysian way of
saying things is indeed more concise and to the point. But this is not always the
case..!!

Is my Manglish improving? I wonder... :-P

 

just my 2cents at 10:10 PM |

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