Expatriate Forums in Malaysia

Arizona · Posted: Wed May 10, 2006 1:23 pm Post subject: Malay Language Section/Thread?

Okay, I'm going to start this topic and then walk off for the rest of the day, but not for lack of interest, just lots to do... BUT, I was just reading a post for another forumner that mentioned this idea and it's something thats been rolling around in my head for awhile.

LANGUAGE
A lot of you know I've been studying Malay since I got here. I know there are a lot of others on the forum with at least a basic knowledge of Malay, or the desire to acquire one. We all know that the opportunities to use Malay are not that frequent, but I still think that it is good to know in case of emergency, and also to get a better understanding of where we live...

*get to the point, Ari*
So, I'm wondering if we can start an on-line language exchange, or more importantly, if anyone is interested in it? Basically, it could probably be a sticky at the top of one of the sections, perhaps this one, or the General Discussions board. Question

I would be happy to start populating it with the basic phrases, but am basically useless when it comes to slang (which is what I would selfishly hope to get out of this whole thing) Wink

so would hope to enlist the talents of our local members for this... Very Happy

Alternately, we can actually do the same for other languages that some of the other forumners are studying, like French... (Even English if it would be helpful to people) To me, just seems like a great way to utilize this big global family we've got going here...

Anyway, it's a thought, I'd love some feedback on. Very Happy

Jack? What do you think?

ruk · Posted: Wed May 10, 2006 1:45 pm Post subject:

Satu ide yang sangat baik, Ari (a good idea, Ari) Very Happy

Biar saya mula dulu ya (let me start)

Apa itu? (what's that) - more formal

Apa tu? - conversation slang

Apa ini? (whats this?) - more formal

Apa ni? - conversation slang

When ordering chicken rice.........my hubby likes to say this:

Saya mahu dua dada besar ( literally translated: he wants 2 big breasts...)

but it meant: I want 2 chicken breasts.

lupingrin · Posted: Wed May 10, 2006 1:54 pm Post subject:

I think I may have been the guilty party - I was surprised that there wasn't a Malay or non-English subsection... I've only been here 3 weeks, I'm learning fast but need to practise... also books ( I have two) on the subject seem limited and I'm sure some of the phrases I'm learning do not sound natural in the real world...

saya mau belajar bercakap Bahasa better than I do

I have to unpack all my boxes now, but will be back to check this thread

Vixey · Posted: Wed May 10, 2006 2:14 pm Post subject:

Great idea Ari. I will contribute common phrases etc soon once I get my PC fixed. Everything is a yellowish, greenish, black at the moment. Wink

Will also volunteer my services to translate English-Malay, Malay-English to the best of my abilities.

I think a Getting Started with Bahasa Malaysia section would be useful. Have had comments from Allo members that when it comes to filling up forms etc it does get complicated because not all are dual language.

Was thinking if there is a different forum dedicated to it, it might make it easier for forumers to locate phrases they need.

ie. At the airport, conversational, vocabulary, immigration terms, housing terms, street signs etc.

Will leave Jack to decide what's the best format. Maybe starting off with a sticky thread on General might be the best way to go for now.

stud · Posted: Wed May 10, 2006 2:35 pm Post subject:

OK Sticky it is, I want to learn also so I can be even cheekier Wink

STUD

stud · Posted: Wed May 10, 2006 2:40 pm Post subject:

I have to start with pronounciation, is A for apple, or Umbrella? I know Indonesia have A+U is this the same here?
STUD Cool

lupingrin · Posted: Wed May 10, 2006 3:05 pm Post subject:

Sedikit sedikit lama lama jadi bukit.

one of two proverbs I have learned so far,

the other being

ada gula ada semut (where there's sugar, there are ants)

(which is related more literally to my kitchen, tho they really aren't fussy, anything will do, even soaking lima beans)

war is being waged

roguegirl · Posted: Wed May 10, 2006 3:11 pm Post subject: Malay Language Section/Thread?

peacelikeariver

Oh sayang! Satu permulaan yang amat membanggakan! Anda tentu memahami perasaan saya terhadap cadangan ini! Saya pasti membantu anda sebaik mungkin kemampuan saya.

*pelukan besar*... Very Happy

(Oh dearie! A great start! I'm sure you know how I feel about this suggestion. I'll offer my help the best way possible.

*big hugs*).

Jack · Posted: Wed May 10, 2006 4:38 pm Post subject:

Very good idea this thread Smile

Hope it will help some (including me...)