Malaysian English
Who says our English is teruk? Just see below...
Ours is simple, short, concise, straight-to-point,
effective, etc...
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: Hello, who page?
ASKING SOMEONE TO MAKE WAY
Britons: Excuse me, I'd like to get through. Would you
please make way?
Malaysians: S-kew 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 ah?
WHEN ENTERTAINING
Britons: Please make yourself 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: Don't want la...
IN DISAGREEMENT, OVER A TOPIC OF DISCUSSION
Britons: Tom, I have to stop you there. I understand
where you're coming from, but I really have to
disagree with what you've 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.
Malaysians: Shut up lah!
WHEN ASKING SOMEONE IF HE/SHE KNOWS YOU
Britons: Excuse me, but I noticed you've been 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 had just happened?
Malaysians: Wat happen? Why like that?
WHEN SOMEONE DID SOMETHING WRONG
Britons: This isn't the way to do it, here let me show
you,
Malaysians: like that also don't know how to do!
WHEN ONE IS ANGRY
Britons: Would you mind not disturbing me!
Malaysians:Celaka u
Who says our English is teruk? Just see below...
Ours is simple, short, concise, straight-to-point,
effective, etc...
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: Hello, who page?
ASKING SOMEONE TO MAKE WAY
Britons: Excuse me, I'd like to get through. Would you
please make way?
Malaysians: S-kew 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 ah?
WHEN ENTERTAINING
Britons: Please make yourself 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: Don't want la...
IN DISAGREEMENT, OVER A TOPIC OF DISCUSSION
Britons: Tom, I have to stop you there. I understand
where you're coming from, but I really have to
disagree with what you've 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.
Malaysians: Shut up lah!
WHEN ASKING SOMEONE IF HE/SHE KNOWS YOU
Britons: Excuse me, but I noticed you've been 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 had just happened?
Malaysians: Wat happen? Why like that?
WHEN SOMEONE DID SOMETHING WRONG
Britons: This isn't the way to do it, here let me show
you,
Malaysians: like that also don't know how to do!
WHEN ONE IS ANGRY
Britons: Would you mind not disturbing me!
Malaysians:Celaka u
