Wednesday, March 9, 2011

British English vs. Malaysian English

Who says our English is teruk? Just read below - Ours is simple, short, concise, straight-to-the-point, effective etc.

WHEN GIVING A CUSTOMER A BAD NEWS
British: 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.
Malaysian: No stock.

RETURNING A CALL
British: Hello, this is John Smith. Did anyone call for me a few moments ago?
Malaysian: Hello, who call?

ASKING SOMEONE TO MAKE WAY
British: Excuse me, I would like to get by. Would you please make way?
Malaysian:: S-kew me.

WHEN SOMEONE OFFERS TO PAY 
British: Hey! Put your wallet away, this drink is on me.
Malaysian:: No need lah.

WHEN ASKING FOR PERMISSION
British: Excuse me, but do you think it would be possible for me to enter through this door?
Malaysian: (pointing at the door) Can ah?

WHEN ENTERTAINING
British: Please make yourself right at home.
Malaysian: No need shy shy one lah!

WHEN DOUBTING SOMEONE 
British: I don't recall you giving me the money.
Malaysian: Where got?

WHEN DECLINING AN OFFER
British: I would prefer not to do that, if you don't mind.
Malaysian: Don't want lah.

IN DISAGREEING ON A TOPIC OF DISCUSSION
British: 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.
Malaysian: You mad ah?

WHEN ASKING SOMEONE TO LOWER THEIR VOICE.
British: Excuse me, but could you please lower your voice? I'm trying to concentrate over here.
Malaysian: Shut up lah!

WHEN ASKING SOMEONE IF HE/SHE KNOWS YOU..
British: Excuse me, but I noticed you staring at me for sometime. Do I know you?
Malaysian: See what, see what?

WHEN ASSESSING A TIGHT SITUATION
British: We seem to be in a bit of a predicament at the moment..
Malaysian: Die lah!!

WHEN TRYING TO FIND OUT WHAT HAD HAPPENED
British: Will someone tell me what has just happened?
Malaysian: What happened ah? Why like that one lah?

WHEN SOMEONE DID SOMETHING WRONG
British: This isn't the way to do it. Here, let me show you.
Malaysian: Like that also don't know how to do!

WHEN ONE IS ANGRY
British: Would you mind not disturbing me?
Malaysian: Celaka you!

2 comments:

  1. tok bukan masalah bahasa actually.

    but greetings.

    org kita x brapa peramah mcm org luar. org kita x friendly. simple example, cashier or orang kat kedey kain apa2. sepatah ditanyak, sepatah dijawab.

    T_T

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  2. ya aku stuju. org malaysia pun di negara org lain nang peramah tp mun di negaea dirik pun. hmmmmm. paham2 dirik pun jak lah....

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