Historically, Manglish shares some substantial linguistic similarities with Singapore English, but there are distinctions that can be made through vocabulary. Initially, the Manglish and Singlish were the same languages. It was a time when Malaysia and Singapore were one geographical entity (Baskaran & Loga 278-279). In the old times of Malaya, English was the language spoken during this time since it was British colonial administration. The Malay language was spoken as a street language, lingua franca. The English spoken in Malaysia is primarily British English, and that is why it is called Malaysian English. In Manglish language, English spellings are relevantly followed but there an expression of the American English which is slang and strong in particular observing the Malaysian youth language.
Since 1968, the Manglish language has been the official language in Malaysia, but English has been used in most of the Manglish in most of the words. An example is when pronouncing the word with suffix “lah”. It is not such worried-lah since it will be used to present the word as light-ongoing. The vocabulary used in the Manglish language originates from English, but their syntax represents the southern Chinese, Australian, and American slang varieties. Malaysian language is sometimes referred to as Rojak, but to some extent, it shows some differences from the Rojak language (Rusli et al. 116-117). In the streets, Manglish is categorized as the short form of the Malaysian language. Following the fact that there are a lot of multi-languages in Malaysia, Malaysia English has developed some phonologies, grammar, and even lexicon in Creole. Focusing on the function of grammar, The Manglish language forms its vocabulary from a variety of influences.
Typically, the phrases and words used are borrowed from English words. For instance, the Handphone is given the abbreviation HP. In American English, this is called a cell phone or mobile phone. “KIV” is used in this language, meaning “keep in a view”. “Yeah” is used in the language to mean yes or to agree with an opinion (Baskaran & Loga 280). No English is used as a reference in Malaysian endeavors, but Manglish is used in Malaysian newspapers and even on television. In natural consideration, there are some differences seen in words used in the Manglish language and the United Kingdom language. The differences come because the two countries are in different geographical regions, and they do not share the same media of communication. However, it is partially distinct since it has been established that the Malaysian language is supposed to be recognized as Malaysian English, but in the real sense, it has a multi-language influence. The use of this Manglish language is much discouraged from being used in schools where the recommended language is Malaysian Standard English.
In Malaysia, striving for British authority is done but in acceptance of the influence of the American language, which is mainly becoming apparent (Rusli et al.119). Because of this, Malaysia is not willing to develop its own English language skills. It is also not ready to come up with its dictionary, unlike commonwealth English-speaking countries in Australia. It is categorically clear that there are no terms in Malaysian English used in any official context except in the case where there is changing the school system of learning modules for the improvement of English command.
Mainly, Manglish is not used in advanced lessons in the curriculum, but the Malaysian language is not the dialect of English in any way. Focusing on the street, Manglish is a street language, just as Singlish in Singapore (Lee & Zhia 5). The Malaysian language should not be confused in any case by Malaysian colloquial English or Manglish. It is fascinating that most of the people in Malaysia are very fluent when it comes to the pronunciation of the two English languages, Malaysian Standard English and Manglish. It is only that most foreigners do not understand the Manglish language, and that is why it is not officially used in a formal context. There is widespread use of the Manglish language in most of the social classes in Malaysia, from teachers to doctors and bank managers. Despite the fact that Manglish is not the official language used, it is widely used by many Malaysians.
The advantage of the Manglish language is that it is easily understood by the locals. In their communication, they develop a sense of belonging and pride in their language. It is a spiced form of the language, and it becomes interesting when shared among the locals who understand the language quickly. It becomes straightforward for any local to have a conversation or lead a specific group in any discussion with the aid of the language (Norizam & Nadhiya 114). For those who do not understand the standard Malaysian language well, it becomes easy for them to pass on their information by applying the Manglis language. It will be such an exciting conversation, let’s say, a youth meeting when this language is allowed. Every youth will be interested in having a view given out, not because it is important but simply because they are eager to expose their Manglish speaking expert level.
The disadvantages of the language are that it is not well understood by foreigners and, therefore, once spoken in the proper context, it brings confusion and misunderstandings. It can only be referred to as just a business language in Malaysia. It is estimated that about 80% of the business organizations in Malaysia use both the Manglish language and the standard Malaysian language as their means of communication (Lee & Zhia 11). It is used in some of the Malaysian newspapers called The Star, The Sun, The Edge, and The Malay Mail. It is also used in some radio stations such as Mix FM, Fly FM, and Red FM. Today, the Malaysian language is categorized into two forms: the original Malaysian language and the Manglish, which is the local Malaysian language (Norizam & Nadhiya 117).
In conclusion, the utilization of this Manglish dialect is tremendously debilitated to be utilized as a part of the school where the prescribed dialect is Malaysian Standard English. In Malaysia, taking a stab at the British expert is done yet in acknowledgment of the impact of the American idiom, which is especially evidently spreading. In this reality, Malaysia isn’t willing to detail its own particular English dialect. It is too unready to think of its lexicon, not at all like republic English-speaking nations in Australia. It is entirely evident that there are no terms in Malaysian English utilized as a part of any official setting aside from the situation whereby there is a change in the educational system of learning modules for the change of English order.
Works Cited
Baskaran, Loga. “Malaysian English: Phonology.” Varieties of English 4 (2008): 278-291.
Rusli, M. F., et al. “UNDERSTANDING MALAYSIAN ENGLISH (MANGLISH) JARGON IN SOCIAL MEDIA.” Journal of Fundamental and Applied Sciences 10.2S (2018): 116-125.
Lee, Zhia Ee. “Colloquial Malaysian English (CMalE): a problem or a cool phenomenon?.” (2015).
Norizam, Nadhiya. A comparison of Manglish and Singlish lexis in blogs/Nadhiya binti Norizam. Diss. University of Malaya, 2014.
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