MANGGLISH ~ Malaysian English at its WACKIEST !

ManHunter

" MANGGLISH " ~ Malaysian English at its WACKIEST !

     As Malaysian English has often been called, is a distinct variety of the English language. Like Singglish (Singapore English),Ebonics ( Black English), Australian English, New Zealand English and many other varieties of English... Malaysian English has its own unusual collocations, syntax, vocabulary and its very special of idioms & metaphors.

     In a vibrant multicultural society like Malaysia. it is inevitable that the vernacular languages find their way into English language and influence the way English is spoken by Malaysians. There is a generous sprinkling of many Malay and Chinese words in Malaysian English without any translation. For example, " Let's CABUT! " or " Sure KENA one ! " or "So Hum Sup one! " ....
Interesting "Hybrids" of words from the various languages have creptin, for another example, " KOOCHI RAT" a 'hybrid' of Tamil, an Indian language and English. Also " Tak Ngam " a combination of Malay and Cantonese...

There are also many other direct translations; for example: " Die ! " from  " SEI/ 死 “ in Cantonese, or " Carry Big Leg !" from a Cantonese expression. You will come across charming permutations of the English language, such as: " Gostan " as reverse. " Outstation " or " Cooling ",which many Malaysians are so used to and think that these are part of English language that they are often amazed when you tell them that on one will understand them beyond the shores of Malaysia and Singapore.

Apart from academic papers and theses, few books have been written on Malaysian English, a fascinating variety of the English language. This particular column is a step in this direction. Its purpose is to compile a list of the more commonly-used words and expressions in an interesting and non-academic manner.

I sincerely hope it will entertain all of our members here, and most of all, to help to create an awareness of this variety of English. While English is the international lingua franca, the different varieties of English that have evolved are part of the unique linguistic and cultural heritage of each country.

This column of message is not acomplete compilation of Malaysian English-languages are eternity growing and evolving and Mangglish is no exception. There are some subcultures, for example, Malaysian English as spoken by teenagers of the present generation, or specific sub-varieties, such as Malaysian English spoken on Golf courses, or in Campuses and Colleges, which Ihave not included in this section. What I have included are the more common words, idioms and metaphors used by most Malaysian, particularly those from my generation.

Mangglish is a combination of the words Malaysian & English. It does not mean that Malaysian speak " Mangled " English. Most Malaysians who have a command of English and when and how to switch to Mangglish.When does one speak Mangglish? When one is in a more informal setting and wishes to converse in a casual manner. Then it seems so natural to just switch to Loh-Leh-LAH ....and no need to bother about the " Present Tense ", " Past Tense ", " Aiya , why so many kind of tenses leh ? "  " So one kind one" , " So Teruk Only- lah ", " must always worry about that grammars and pronunciations only meh ?", " Some more-ah ??? " .... " Sei loh, Can't Stand anymore leh !"

But, if everybody is speaking Mangglish, and only you alone speak in " Proper English ",  then you would surely feel " so one kind oledi loh...." then, that's when you switch to Mangglish-liao  !
then it'd become " So nice oledi loh " and " So releks lah ! "........

For Mangglish is not just a language. It's also spme kind of a mood. One some times just feels like ratting away in Mangglish. " Becos why? " Because they're just like a delicious plate of Rojak, glass of Teh Tarik, or a great taste of Durian ! " so shiuk only-lah! "
Well, as a conclusion ~ to be able to speak in Mangglish - like touching base, connecting, being Malayisan. " So unik one-loh! " I say Man"!  

amely

so,you open this post to tell ur countryman about this?
Teach others english instead of open this post is more valuable.

zuobi

Malaysian English at its WACKIEST  

benjie2008

Ha... very interesting topic, I LOVE it !

JamesOlive

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