Malay Language Responsibility

Today, I woke up and as per usual, I was scrolling through my Facebook updates when I came across a Berita Harian link which a friend had posted, I thought long and hard and assessed all angles possible as to why the journalist had decided to use the word ‘HANFON’ instead of ‘Telefon Bimbit’ to describe, handphone.

So, I took out my mobile phone or handphone and checked on my Kamus Pro app as to whether or not Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) had decided to adopt and accept  ‘Hanfon’ as an official Malay word.

I typed ‘handphone’ and I got nothing. I typed ‘mobile phone’ and I got nothing.

I typed ‘phone’ and I got 2:

1. n (colloq) telefon: can I have your address and – number?, boleh beri saya alamat dan nombor telefon kamu?
2. n (phonetics) bunyi, fon.

So, I saw the word ‘fon’ for the second one. MAYBE, I missed something out. I mean, I’m conducting Malay programmes in schools and it’s my personal responsibility to use the correct words and terms in the classroom. Perhaps, in the course of my busy schedule, I could have missed out on something.

So, I searched for ‘hanfon’ in the same Kamus Pro app, which is the official Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) Malay Dictionary application, the same organisation that researches, writes, prints and distributes Malay Dictionaries which Singapore students and teachers (and I hope those who use the Malay Language as part of their work) use.

The search was futile.

Okay, so maybe DBP isn’t updated so I google searched for ‘hanfon’ and the first hit I got was that it was a WELSH translation on mymemory.translated.net which meant, ‘SENT’.

So, at this juncture, is where I feel extremely angry because the reporter had not exercised personal and professional responsibility to ensure that they were using the right words to report in a national publication read by thousands and used by thousands of students and teachers in schools.

I cannot imagine the horror of Malay Language teachers trying to explain to students that ‘hanfon’ isn’t a Malay word and that it cannot be used in writing compositions but then again, how can the Malay Language teacher justify it when a professional writing for the official Malay newspaper in Singapore is using improper words.

For us, Malays and Malay Language Teachers to claim that Malay Language is not being used by students and the young properly, and have difficulty to teach it isn’t just the responsibility of Malay Language Teachers alone. It is and should be the responsibility of all who use the Malay Language, especially so if you are a working professional publishing the NATIONAL MALAY LANGUAGE DAILY.

To cut corners in view of space constraint and switch with using a word that does not even exist in the Malay dictionary is simply irresponsible, lacks integrity, lacks professionalism and clearly, shouldn’t even be allowed to in the first place.

If this improper and unjustified use of the Bahasa Melayu continues at Berita Harian, I cannot imagine how the future of Malay journalism will look like.

So, I’m appealing to all of you reading this, to not only share this post but also, to write in to BH to provide your feedback. That is about all we can do.

Looking Back On 2012

Looking back on 2012….

It was definitely better than 2011! An improvement in a few areas whilst I cut loose on what weighed me down.

• By Definition Pte Ltd

By Definition

If you don’t already know, I run this company with two other friends of mine. This was a year better than 2011 in more ways than one. (If you haven’t gone to our FB, go and ‘Like’ it!)

For a start, we had more business rolling in. That’s always good for business. I mean, why would you run a business if it didn’t make money right?

We also moved into an office cum warehouse to share a space with our trusted alliance company to ensure that we can have better collaboration and maximization of resources.

Not just that, we also had our first business trip to establish working relationship with partners overseas and also began sourcing out for materials and artefacts to help us deliver our programmes better!

Lastly, we’ve been receiving great *feedback from our Clients about our Products and Services, and most importantly, the people who help to make it happen – OUR FRIENDS, OUR TRAINERS!

THANK YOU EVERYONE!

*Between Feb 2011 – Aug 2012:

Primary School Programmes Statistics

(Based on criteria of ‘Tidak Setuju’ (Don’t Agree), ‘Tidak Pasti’ (Not Sure) and ‘Setuju’ (Agree))

 

‘Suka Dengan Program’ (Like The Programme)

73.2% Setuju

 

‘Belajar Ilmu Baru’ (Learnt New Skill/Knowledge)

78.8% Setuju

 

‘Tertarik Dengan Kandungan’ (Attracted To Content)

62.4% Setuju

 

Secondary School Programme Statistics

(Based on criteria of ‘Tidak Memuaskan’ (Not Satisfying), ‘Kurang Memuaskan’ (Less Satisfying), ‘Sederhana’ (Satisfied), ‘Cukup Memuaskan’ (Quite Satisfied), ‘Sungguh Memuaskan’ (Very Satisfied))

 

Programme Objectives:
86.9% feedbacked ‘Cukup Memuaskan’ and ‘Sungguh Memuaskan’  

Participants Expectations:
77.5% feedbacked ‘Cukup Memuaskan’ and ‘Sungguh Memuaskan’

Interesting/Unique Programmes:
89.2% feedbacked ‘Cukup Memuaskan’ and ‘Sungguh Memuaskan’

• Community Work/Volunteering – YEC

Seems like some of my friends aren’t aware that I have been volunteering with People’s Association. Well, can’t blame them since I don’t talk about it cause I don’t really know who’s interested to know about what I do and I also don’t like to end up talking about myself. It’s enough that I have to bore people about what I do for a living (business), don’t think I want to bore people more with what I do without getting paid for it.

So, I’ll make this one as short as possible.

My Youth Executive Committee (YEC) organised the first ever run at the Gardens By The Bay at Marina Bay. Called the ‘Singapore Garden Run’, it was also a GRC event whereby we synergised with a few other YECs within our GRC to carry out this event. My YEC was in-charge of the run and the concert.

Singapore Garden Run

We know there were feedbacks about how it was conducted but nonetheless, for an event that big to have been organised by a group of youths made up of working professionals and students, I think we can afford to give ourselves a pat on our back for that. Nevertheless, we will work to address the issues raised and hope to be able to deliver a better run in the future!

• Community Work/ Volunteering – SSEAYP
  

Yes, another type of volunteering.

I was really happy to have been able to contribute for this one not just in Singapore but again, in Indonesia!

Ship for South East Asia Youth Programme

Emcee for the Home Stay Matching Ceremony held at Orchid Country Club! I was initially asked to help take photos but I had to say no to that cause I really have no skill and I don’t want to screw photos up. I wouldn’t have enjoyed it too. I’m not quite the camwhore. I’m more of the motormouth and yes, I definitely enjoyed myself emceeing the event. To those who were there, I hope you enjoyed it as well.

Liaison Officer (LO) for Country Program Indonesia (CPI). My second year as LO in Indonesia for the CPI and I cannot be happier to have been able to contribute especially since my SSEAYP batchmate is also now the President of SSEAYP International Indonesia.

Not only did I get to contribute as LO, I was also the Emcee for the Welcoming Dinner hosted by the Governor of Daerah Kabupaten Indonesia Jakarta (Jakarta Province). It would have been awesome if I would have been able to meet and take a photo with the new Jakarta Governor, Joko Widodo, but alas, he didn’t attend.

Nonetheless, what made it more sweet was that some members of the Ministry of Youth and Sports who were in attendance later commented that they enjoyed my emceeing and loved my voice and would love to have me emcee their events in the future! Woohoo!

• LOVE
  

I think this deserves a section of its own.

Yes, I am in love.

I don’t think I have ever loved God this much in my life. I’ve been reading the Quran more often albeit translation, to have a better understanding of God’s revelations to Muslims beloved Prophet, Prophet Muhammad.

If you’re wondering about love in the other segment.

Well, to answer that, it’s really connected to God. As my name suggests, Abdillah – Servant of God. I really need to serve him more diligently in 2013.

My dad has already told me to get married in 2013. I don’t think that’s going to happen. I’m not financially nor emotionally nor spiritually prepared for it. Anyway, my dad is very specific about who he wants me to marry – an Indonesian from his hometown. I think that will take time.

• MEDIA APPEARANCES/ INVITES

I don’t think the year can be complete without media appearances/invites.

I happened to appear on the news when BERITAonSURIA decided to cover my company’s programme during Bulan Bahasa (Language Month).

I was also interviewed in a discussion with then, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Education and Law, Sim Ann on TODAY on the topic, ‘Of Dreams, Realities and Opportunities’.

That aside, I’m still covering stories/events and giving reviews on my blog. Currently, I’m writing the reviews for MediaCorp Suria’s latest reality TV competition, RATU. So, if you have an event related to Arts and Education, feel free to drop me an email! If I have time, I will definitely cover the event and provide my most unbiased comments on it.

And lastly, my friends and relatives can officially call me, “Poster Boy”. The next time you visit or walk past a Community Centre, look closely. You might spot a familiar face.

By Definition Solves Singapore Malay Language Teachers Enrichment Programme Problems!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA RELEASE

19 November 2012

BY DEFINITION SOLVES SINGAPORE MALAY LANGUAGE TEACHERS ENRICHMENT PROGRAMME PROBLEMS!

We’ve only been serving the Mother Tongue Department (Malay Language) in Singapore Schools for close to two years but we dare say that we have perhaps been able to solve the major issue that most Malay Language Teachers in Singapore Schools often talk about – Low Budget!

Sounds familiar to you?

In the time that we have been in the industry, we have managed to deliver Malay Language Enrichment programmes meeting the specific needs of not just the schools and teachers but most importantly, the students!

Your Mother Tongue Language Enrichment Programmes budget issues can be resolved!

Be it you want something related to Malay Traditional Games or Traditional Malay Cultural Activities or Talks related to the Malay Language, we’ve got it all! (Don’t believe? Got photos on our By Definition FB as evidence lor. Click here!)

So, how do we do it?

We customize every single Malay Language Enrichment Programme to meet your Budget, Student Needs and the Learning Outcomes that Teachers Want for their Students! (We know what’s important to you cause one of our Directors is a certified Teacher/Trainer from Cambridge!)

SO, here’s what we are suggesting – We can work together to plan out an ENTIRE YEAR Malay Language Enrichment Programme for you! No more headaches for the rest of the year on how to allocate your budget then because we will help you resolve that budgeting problem! We can also help you source out for Artefacts or Resource Materials related to the Malay Culture and Heritage as how we have done for National Junior College!

Gamelan Set for National Junior College

Batik Set for National Junior College

Here’s what you can be assured of when you take us as your vendor:
1-You will also be supporting the livelihood of our dedicated and well-trained trainers! and
2- Ensure that we can continue to awesomely deliver! and
3- Challenge us to do more than what we are doing at the moment!

So let’s meet up and discuss what we can do for you!

NO OBLIGATIONS to take us if you don’t think we can deliver for you!

Drop us an email to our Arts & Education Director (abdillah@bydefinition.net) or send us a DM Tweet (@ByDefinitionSG) or drop us a PM on our FB (By Definition Facebook) and arrange for an appointment with us!

See! So high tech, can reach us through any method via your Smart Phone!

Hope to see you soon!

Email: abdillah@bydefinition.net
Tweet: @ByDefinitionSG
Instagram: @ByDefinition
FB: http://www.facebook.com/ByDefinitionPteLtd
YouTube Channel: By Definition SG

Ready for Singapore’s Malay Beauty Pageant?

I have always loved women regardless of their age, looks or status but I love their personality more – not all types but definitely those that are able to entertain my ever clocking mind.

On 14 November 2012, I attended the Press Conference where the ladies were the focal point of attention, RATU, a beauty pageant organised by MediaCorp Suria with strong partnership from the famous Malaysian producer, David Teo, who’s company had lend support towards the success of this pageant.

RATU

What was I looking for and did I get what I looked out for?

I saw 16 ladies strutting their way down on the mini stage with their hair beautifully done and make-up on (I wish they didn’t have any make-up on though).

I saw 16 ladies whom I wish I could bring home with me for my own personal elimination down to 4 to be made my wives (Why settle for 1 if I can have 4? [Berangan Muslim yang boleh dijadikan teladan]).

I don’t think there’s much that I want to say further for now, so Gentlemen, please keep your hands to your keyboards as you scroll down your mouse to take a look at the 16 Finalists!

Aqilah

Ayura

Elfiana Ismail

Fadiana

Fatin Amira

Jannah Jakasha

Natasha Tan

Nor Aishah

Risliani

Sheril Izzyana

Shillah Marlysha

Surya

Tiara Atyra

Wan Anisah

Wida Alisa

Zizah

SATISFIED?

There’s lots to expect for this competition happening over 8 weeks!

Unfortunately, I will have to miss the first 2 episodes starting on 27th November as I’ll be heading to Indonesia for exchange and to visit my parents!

Oh well, I’ll have my own beauty pageant there I guess!

Falling

What’s Abd?!!

I know I haven’t blogged for sometime.

It’s not that I’ve forgotten how to write.

It’s just that I’ve been really occupied with my rehearsals and work.

I’m not neglecting this blog for sure or the other one but I just need time.

So let’s discuss about our neighbours. I’ve always loved talking about our neighbours simply because I could be a representation of the majority and I am therefore, entitled to comment much more freely just because.

Have you recently caught on with what’s happening there?

There was the recent outrage over the use of ‘Allah’ in Christianity, Islam and Sikh faith.

It’s still not been solved yet because the courts have pulled back on their verdict calling it a ‘mistake’. But seriously, ‘Allah’ is just a term used by the Arabs even during the Pagan periods to describe God. It’s not exclusive to any religion or faith. It’s only exclusively in Arab.

So, get over it already. No Muslim, Sikh or Christian should get confused over who their God, in this case Allah is for as long as they know who they are worshipping. And well anyways, there are many similarities between the Sikh, Christian and Jewish faith with the Islamic faith.

Lets now move over to another interesting problem that has recently arise.

From religion to language.

Malaysians were protesting over the use of English in schools to teach Science and Mathematics and kept insisting that the use of Malay language should be upheld.

Here’s a word of advice from me.

“If you want to use the Malay language to teach subjects in school, the least you could do is to ensure that you can get your spelling right”

For those of you who are wondering why I mentioned as such. Well in my recent trip to Malacca, I came across a public sign at a shopping centre bearing the words in huge fonts, “Jaga Keberhisan”

Please lahh my fellow neighbours, its not that I want to nosey poke into your affairs but when you make such a big ruckus out of something that you cannot even get correct, I think you should really give it much thought and consideration. Besides, the English language is beginning to be a much globalised language that perhaps, it would be better for you to learn to speak better English than Malay.

True to a certain extend that you may lose the use of Malay language which is evident amongst Malay Singaporeans who are much more accustomed to using English as the medium instead of Malay. However, the constant use of Malay language amongst friends and family members should keep you in check of a good command of the language.

The political scene in Malaysia is bad enough. I don’t think the residents need to be so emotionally-charged as how their politicians are.

Remember that politicians always have a personal agenda beneath whatever that they are lobbying for.

In other local news from me, I just did my first scriptwriting cum directing work for Project RGB which was aired on the news. Next is an emotionally charged performance which will I gather will be carried through the rest of my life.

This is definitely not one of my best blogging days. I’m just tired and life just doesn’t seem so bright for me anymore.

Falling is now a whole new meaning in my life.

I’m falling and I’m not sure if I’ll be able to get out of it now.