Malaysian English vs Standard English
Malaysian English versus Standard English
Introduction
Many countries use the English Language as a second language or perhaps its official language. When we talk about English Language, the most acknowledged kind is called Standard English (SE). In Malaysia, English is widely used, as it is our country’s second language. However, the type of English that is more commonly used here is known as Malaysian English (ME).
Malaysian English (ME) Vs Standard English (SE)
ME is quite different from SE and many view it as more inferior. Its popular use among the locals, however, has caused concern about the declining standards of English. This paper looks into the perceptions and attitudes of Malaysian people towards SE versus ME. The study discovers that generally Malaysians think that ME is not a threat to SE. Many are more comfortable using ME as compared to SE. However, most would switch to SE in formal situations.
The British introduced English to Malaysia more than two centuries ago. It became the most important language for generations and it is often associated with power and prestige. However, in post-British era, when Malaysia became independent in 1957, English was made the second language in conjunction with the promotion of Bahasa Malaysia as the national language. Then, in the 1990s, spurred by the government desire to push the nation into globalization, the importance of English increased.
Today, English has become a means of communication that reflects the culture, expressions and emotions of its Malaysian speakers. It continues to be used for many purposes in this country: art, play, business and so on. However, in many instances, these activities do not require the same words and grammar as some of the other English Language activities do, thus leading some language purists to label such language use as sub standard. T
his development has also caused concern among educators, language activists and the
Introduction
Many countries use the English Language as a second language or perhaps its official language. When we talk about English Language, the most acknowledged kind is called Standard English (SE). In Malaysia, English is widely used, as it is our country’s second language. However, the type of English that is more commonly used here is known as Malaysian English (ME).
Malaysian English (ME) Vs Standard English (SE)
ME is quite different from SE and many view it as more inferior. Its popular use among the locals, however, has caused concern about the declining standards of English. This paper looks into the perceptions and attitudes of Malaysian people towards SE versus ME. The study discovers that generally Malaysians think that ME is not a threat to SE. Many are more comfortable using ME as compared to SE. However, most would switch to SE in formal situations.
The British introduced English to Malaysia more than two centuries ago. It became the most important language for generations and it is often associated with power and prestige. However, in post-British era, when Malaysia became independent in 1957, English was made the second language in conjunction with the promotion of Bahasa Malaysia as the national language. Then, in the 1990s, spurred by the government desire to push the nation into globalization, the importance of English increased.
Today, English has become a means of communication that reflects the culture, expressions and emotions of its Malaysian speakers. It continues to be used for many purposes in this country: art, play, business and so on. However, in many instances, these activities do not require the same words and grammar as some of the other English Language activities do, thus leading some language purists to label such language use as sub standard. T
his development has also caused concern among educators, language activists and the