I read this joke before, in Mastika. Just now, I spotted it again in a forum. As I feel this funny, yet meaningful, I am ready to share with my readers.
Who says our English 'teruk' (lousy in Bahasa Malaysia)? Ours is simple, short, concise, straight-to-point, effective etc...
WHEN GIVING A CUSTOMER BAD NEWS.
Britons: 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 can call the other outlets for you.
Malaysians: No Stock.
RETURNING A CALL.
Britons: Hello, this is John Smith. Did anyone page for me a few moments ago?
Malaysians: Hello, who page?
ASKING SOMEONE TO MAKE WAY.
Britons: Excuse me, I'd like to get by. Would you please make way?
Malaysians: S-kew me. (Excuse me)
WHEN SOMEONE OFFERS TO PAY.
Britons: Hey, put your wallet away, this drink is on me.
Malaysians: No-need, lah.
WHEN ASKING FOR PERMISSION.
Britons: Excuse me, but do you think it would be possible for me to enter through this door?
Malaysians: (pointing the door) Can ar?
WHEN ENTERTAINING.
Britons: Please make yourself right at home.
Malaysians: Don't be shy, lah!
WHEN DOUBTING SOMEONE.
Britons: I don't recall you giving me the money.
Malaysians: Where got?
WHEN DECLINING AN OFFER.
Britons: I'd prefer not to do that, if you don't mind.
Malaysians: Don't want la...
IN DISAGREEING ON A TOPIC OF DISCUSSION.
Britons: Err. Tom, I have to stop you there. I understand where you're coming from, but I really have to disagree with what you said about the issue.
Malaysians: You mad, ah?
WHEN ASKING SOMEONE TO LOWER THEIR VOICE.
Britons: Excuse me, but could you please lower your voice, I'm trying to concentrate over here.
Malaysians: Shut up lah!
WHEN ASKING SOMEONE IF HE/ SHE KNOWS YOU.
Britons: Excuse me, but I noticed you staring at me for some time. Do I know you?
Malaysians: See what, see what?
WHEN ASSESSING A TIGHT SITUATION.
Britons: We seem to be in a bit of a predicament at the moment.
Malaysians: Die-lah!!
WHEN TRYING TO FIND OUT WHAT HAD HAPPENED.
Britons: Will someone tell me what has just happened?
Malaysians: What happen?! Why like that?!
WHEN SOMEONE DID SOMETHING WRONG.
Britons: This isn't the way to do it. Here, let me show you.
Malaysians: Like that also don't know how to do?!
WHEN ONE IS ANGRY.
Britons: Would you mind not disturbing me?
Malaysians: 'Celaka' you! (Damn you)
*P.S.*
I hope you get it. The "words" including '-lah' etc. are too common for Manglish (Malaysian English) and Singlish (Singaporean English). '-lah' definitely originated from Chinese dialect(s): 啦!
Teachers do not teach us using broken English, but 'pollution' does!



















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