Some Malaysians like to point out how terrible our standard of English is. While I am not keen on giving a grade to many people as a whole, I wouldn’t disagree that in general, most of us still have room for improvements.

I remember walking down the street in Melbourne with my brother one evening when we heard a woman, perhaps in her early 20s, said to her friend in a very thick Malaysian accent, “you know ar, because I don’t have an Australian accent, I feel very self-conscious lah” or something along that line. I can’t say I remember clearly, word by word, because it’s been months since that happened.

As can be seen from our writings, my brother and I disagree with the usage of  lah, mah, meh or other “exclaimations” commonly used in Malaysian English, especially in speech. However, one of my cousins once mentioned that it is acceptable to use them because they are what makes Malaysian English, well, Manglish.

Coming back to Malaysia for holiday is really nice. Listening to how most Malaysian speak English usually gives me a smile on the face. Makes me the feel that I’m home.

Despite all these, what gave me a really good laugh was that in Tower Record, Pull means Push and vice versa, as seen from the photos below.

So, for all those Jazz and Classical music lovers, please remember that in Tower Record, Pull means Push and vice versa. To go in, kindly pull open the door from outside.

Tags: Manglish