A Living Language?
The Evolution of Bahasa Malaysia
When Malaysia’s education minister recently declared that the public needs to accept new Malay words because Bahasa Malaysia is a “living language”, one cannot help but wonder if this statement was made with due consideration for linguistic reality.
The Organic Growth of Language
A living language thrives on organic growth. It adapts to societal needs, borrowing words or coining new ones when there is a genuine linguistic gap. However, introducing words like “ketimbang” to replace the perfectly functional “daripada”, or “peluncuran” instead of “pelancaran” defies this principle.
Imposed Top-Down Decree
Such changes do not stem from societal demand or linguistic necessity, but from an imposed top-down decree. Linguists like Noam Chomsky argue that language is shaped by its users, not by arbitrary mandates. In this case, the minister’s claim that the public is “beginning to accept” these words feels like an exaggerated claim, given that no evidence suggests any real grassroots acceptance.
Confusion and Resistance
If anything, these terms are being shoved down the throats of officials and the public alike, creating confusion and perhaps resistance. Under pressure to adhere to the new terminology, officials scramble to use these words correctly, often resulting in embarrassing missteps and unnecessary confusion.
The Need for Accessibility
Linguistic experts often emphasise that language evolution must be driven by usage and practicality. Teo Kok Seong, a respected linguist, had previously pointed out that introducing unfamiliar terms risks alienating speakers and causing them to abandon the language altogether. If Malaysians already struggle to maintain fluency in the Malay language in an increasingly English-dominated global environment, why add to the confusion with terms that feel forced and out of place?
A More Pragmatic Approach
Instead of forcing new words into public use, the focus should be on improving proficiency, encouraging its use in meaningful ways, and ensuring that it remains a unifying force in a diverse nation. Furthermore, language policy should consider the opinions of experts and the people who use the language daily.
Conclusion
At its core, my concern is about ensuring the Malay language remains relevant, accessible, and functional for all Malaysians. The introduction of new words should serve a purpose – filling linguistic gaps or adapting to modern realities – not complicating communication. If the goal is to preserve and elevate Bahasa Malaysia, the focus should be on strengthening its relevance and accessibility, preserving its beauty and functionality, and ensuring that all Malaysians, not just a select few, can use and appreciate it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the significance of Bahasa Malaysia being a “living language”?
A: Bahasa Malaysia, like all languages, is a dynamic and evolving entity that adapts to societal needs and changes over time.
Q: Why are new words being introduced into the Malay language?
A: The introduction of new words is intended to reflect the changing needs of society and to promote the use of the Malay language in official and public discourse.
Q: What are the concerns about the new words being introduced?
A: The concerns are that the new words are being introduced without sufficient consideration for linguistic reality, and that they may complicate communication and alienate speakers rather than enhance it.
Q: What is the preferred approach to language evolution?
A: The preferred approach is for language evolution to be driven by usage and practicality, with a focus on improving proficiency, encouraging its use in meaningful ways, and ensuring that it remains a unifying force in a diverse nation.