Manglish is the version of the English language as spoken in Malaysia, and is very similar to Singlish in Singapore.
Theoretically, English as spoken in Malaysia is based on British English, and British spelling is generally followed, but American English is having a strong influence. Since 1968, Malay or Bahasa Malaysia has been the country's sole official language, and while English is still widely used, many Malay words have become part of common usage in English.
MALAY | ENGLISH |
bahasa | Malay language |
bumiputra | Malay or other indigenous Malaysian (literally 'son of the soil') |
dadah | narcotic drugs |
Datuk | Title of honor given to certain male dignitaries |
Datin | Title of honor given to certain female dignitaries |
East Malaysia | states of Sabah and Sarawak in Borneo |
mat salleh | Caucasian or white people |
menteri besar | chief minister of a Malaysian state |
Merdeka | national independence (literally 'freedom') |
orang asli | indigenous tribal people in Malaysia |
ringgit | currency of 100 sen, formerly Malaysian dollar |
songkok | black rimless hat worn by Malay men |
Yang di-Pertuan Agong | head of state, King |
See also: British and Malaysian English differences, Engrish.