Saturday 26 February 2011

Our English Is Economic

I was viewing back my emails which I received years ago. And I found one email which is interesting, so I share it here.

Who says our English is "teruk"? Just see below -
Ours is simple, short, concise, straight-to-point, effective etc.
The English did invent the English Language, but they cannot use it economically when communicating their intentions.
Compare these phrases that Malaysians and Britons use to say the same thing.
Why make things so confusing and waste of money when you are on a long distance call. Make it snappy!

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: Hallo, who page?


ASKING SOMEONE TO MAKE WAY

Britons: Excuse me, I'd like to get by. Would you please make way?

Malaysians: S-kews


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: (while pointing at door) Can or not?


WHEN ENTERTAINING

Britons: Please make yourself right 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: Doe-waaaan!


IN DISAGREEING ON A TOPIC OF DISCUSSION

Britons: 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.

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 over here.

Malaysians: Shaddap lah!


WHEN ASKING SOMEONE IF HE/SHE KNOWS YOU.

Britons: Excuse me, but I noticed you 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!!


2 comments:

  1. save time and energy to talk mah,haha

    ReplyDelete
  2. haha, malaysians always like to add on "lah, lo, leh, ma, meh" at the end of a sentences...=D

    ReplyDelete