Saturday, May 06, 2006

British defeat in their own language

Britain invented many games like cricket, football and badminton, but eventually the British lost their competitiveness.

Their latest defeat was in their own language.

Britons cannot use it economically when communicating their intentions. Compare these phrases that Malaysians and Britons use to say the same thing:

WHEN TELLING A CUSTOMER WHAT HE IS LOOKING FOR NOT AVAILABLE
Briton: I'm sorry, Sir, but we don't seem to have the sweater you want in your size, but if you give me a moment, I will call the other outlets for you.
Malaysian: No Stock.

RETURNING A CALL
Briton: Hello, this is John Smith. Did anyone page for me a few moments ago?
Malaysian: Hallo, Wong-ah, got call ah?

ASKING SOMEONE TO MAKE WAY.
Briton: Excuse me please, I'd like to pass through. Would you please make way?
Malaysian: S-kew me!

WHEN SOMEONE OFFERS TO PAY
Briton: Hey, put your wallet away, this drink is on me.
Malaysian: No-need lah. I pay.

WHEN ASKING FOR PERMISSION
Briton: Excuse me please, but do you think it would be possible for me to enter through this door?
Malaysian: (pointing the door) can ah?

WHEN ENTERTAINING
Briton: Please make yourself comfortable, and feel at home.
Malaysian: Don't be shy, lah!

WHEN DENYING
Briton: Sorry, I don't recall you giving me the money.
Malaysian: Where got?

WHEN DECLINING AN OFFER
Briton: I'd prefer not to do that, if you don't mind.
Malaysian: Doe-waanah!

IN DISAGREEING ON A TOPIC OF DISCUSSION
Briton: Err. Tom, I have to stop you there. I understand where you're from, but I really have to disagree with what you have said about the issue.
Malaysian: No! No! No! Not laidat wan!

WHEN ASKING SOMEONE TO LOWER HIS VOICE.
Briton: Excuse me, but could you please lower your voice, I'm trying to concentrate over here.
Malaysian: Oi! Shaddap lah!

WHEN ASKING SOMEONE IF HE KNOWS YOU.
Briton: Excuse me, but I noticed you staring at me for some time. Do I know you?
Malaysian: See what? see what huh?

WHEN ASSESSING A TIGHT SITUATION.
Briton: We seem to be in a bit of a predicament at the moment.
Malaysian: Die-lah!!

WHEN TRYING TO FIND OUT WHAT HAD HAPPENED
Briton: Will someone please tell me what has just happened?
Malaysian: Wat happen huh? Why laidat wan?

WHEN SOMEONE DOES NOT KNOW HOW TO DO SOMETHING
Briton: This isn't the way to do it. Here, let me show you.
Malaysian:Hoi!!! Seow ah? laidat also donno!! Laidis lah!!

EXCEPT:

WHEN ONE IS ANGRY
Briton: Please stop it!
Malaysian: Tiam! Tiu nah sing!!! Liah mah ke fulat!!! Tai lunn ngong!!! Suei Chai!!Tin mehng choong!!! Tua koh tai!!! Tiau nyah ngai tiau!!!Ng sang ngah lin!!! Nang bo ti nang…@#*!! etc. etc. etc. etc. etc. etc. (censored)

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