DBP Adds 12 New Malay Words To The Dictionary & Here's How To Use Them
The Malay language is rich in diversity, with words derived from regional dialects and neighbouring countries like Indonesia.
By Aleya Natasha Mohd Ali — 14 Nov 2024, 04:40 PM
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek informed the Dewan Rakyat this week that 12 new Malay words have been added to Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka's (DBP) dictionary
According to the Malay Mail, Fadhlina said the Malay language is continually evolving, incorporating words from regional dialects and neighbouring countries like Indonesia.
Fadhlina shared examples such as ketimbang (in comparison to) and peluncuran, (launching of an event), which were previously borrowed from Indonesia but are now commonly used in Malaysia.
This may also be a result of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's renowned proficiency in the language, which often encourages people to look up words in the dictionary during his speeches.
Here are some of the new words along with their definitions and examples of how they've been used, particularly in Anwar's speeches
- Intiha —The final phase or last part of a process or event, signifying completion or cessation. Related terms include penghabisan (finality), penutup (closing), and perhentian (stopping point).
Example: Intiha, saya tekankan bahawa penguasaan ilmu perlu selaras dengan adab, nilai dan akhlak yang terbaik tanpa perbedaan agama, kaum dan bangsa.(In conclusion, I emphasise that mastery of knowledge should be aligned with the best manners, values, and morals, without discrimination based on religion, race, or ethnicity.) - Tatakelola — Governance, or ensuring a smooth operation.
Example: Inilah hal-hal yang telah merosakkan banyak negara. Oleh itu, saudara-saudara, janganlah merasa bosan untuk terus membincangkan soal tatakelola.
(These are the issues that have ruined many nations. Therefore, do not grow tired of continually discussing matters of governance.) - Kesenjangan — Imbalance, inequality, or disparity, referring to a lack of equilibrium, or deviation from what is considered normal.
Example: Masalah kemiskinan dan kesenjangan terus parah kerana wujudnya peminggiran sosial terhadap masyarakat yang miskin dan melarat.
(The problem of poverty and inequality continues to worsen due to the existence of social exclusion, which marginalises the poor and disadvantaged communities.) - Kebhinekaan — Diversity or variety; derived from the Indonesian national motto Bhineka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity).
Example: Tugas kita adalah memastikan nilai kebhinekaan ini mesti terus utuh dengan kasih sayang dan sikap keprihatinan yang tinggi.
(Our role is to ensure that the value of diversity remains strong, upheld by love and a high sense of empathy.) - Walhasil — The outcome or result of something, as well as the actual reality or true nature of a situation.
Example: Walhasil, pelbagai isu telah dibincangkan dalam menjulang agenda reformasi yang dirancang ini termasuk mengadakan sesi libat urus selain mengesyorkan cadangan penambahbaikan agar usaha dalam mereformasikan institusi dapat dilaksanakan secara menyeluruh.
(As a result, various issues have been discussed in advancing the planned reform agenda, including holding engagement sessions and recommending improvements to ensure that efforts to reform institutions can be implemented comprehensively.)
Some other words included in the list are:
- Maha kaya — Can be used to refer to the "supreme greatness and power of Allah", or to describe someone who is "great or highly elevated" in stature or importance, or an elite.
- Mahsul — Refers to something obtained from effort or resources, such as land and crops, or earnings and revenue.
- Purbasangka — Preconceived notions or prejudices, assumptions made without sufficient evidence or experience.
- Tatanan — A system, structure, or set of rules that organises or arranges something in an orderly fashion.
- Taakul — The process of reasoning or making judgements using logic and intellect.
- Tiwikrama — Making every effort to achieve one’s goals or ambitions.
