Language – Are we a confused lot?

I have always wanted to write about this topic – Language. I don’t mean to talk about learning languages or something like that but something about speaking different languages just triggered my evil side while watching a TV programme earlier.

We often heard people bashing the Singaporeans about their Singlish and how it has destroyed the proper used of the English Language but hey, what do you think about the ‘Malaysianish’ we got here??? (ok…I’m one of those who uses lots of Singalish during my years living in the lion city so the passion is there). But one thing I noticed was, many of the programmes screened in the lion city would limit the use of Singlish except for a few like PCK and UOR. These programmes were produced with the ‘Singlish’ in mind so they are acceptable… and it is just some silly sitcoms to tickle your funny bone.

However, it’s different here. I don’t watch that many local programmes screened here (major bored to death and all trying so hard to immitate other successful programmes from land abroad) but this show I happened to watch tonight was kind of fresh except for the host. Ok, it was that shopping game show. The show has English subtitle so to my undestanding it’s a Malay programme and the host supposed to speak in Bahasa Malaysia. Well, it was not, as the host spoke in mixed English Bahasa… kinda ‘rojak” language which really spoilt the show. I know she is trying hard but I find it is just soooooo bleah…..

Imagine if some foreigners watch that show, what would they think? I meant those who came here for holidays or short stay (not those who residing or working here for ages) will think of us? That we can’t even make up our mind to speak the appropriate language? I know we are a multicultural country but definitely there are some guidelines for each production before they are allowed to hit the street right?

I also happened to watch a few episodes of those talent shows… same case. Especially during the interview sessions… most contestants wanted to speak English but after a few sentences it will be Bahasa and then English and this goes on… imagine some kampung folks who know nuts about English… how are they going to intrepret those missing sentences???

So, will all our kids going to learn to speak that way too? My baby is still young so I know nuts what is going on in school. Do teachers speak that way during classes???

Geeeezzz…. we love to eat ‘rojak’ (mixed fruits) but we can’t accept if our kids speak in ‘rojak’ language right?

ok… my off-course rambling…. *hiakz*

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