Assalamualaikum. :)
People around the world expecially Muslims were shock due to the violence incident between the Rakhine Buddhists and Rohingya Muslims in the west, in which dozens have died in 2012. Then in 2015, hundreds of Muslim Rohingyas migrants leave by sea in flimsy boats, along with migrants from Bangladesh. Many of them were trapped here in Malaysia, due to poverty and no chance to have better living after being refugees from their own hometown. (you can read here http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-06-29/thousands-of-refugees-stuck-in-malaysian-poverty-cycle/6575134)
(http://www.mmbiztoday.com/articles/flow-myanmar-workers-malaysia-rises-2015)br>
Many of the Myanmar's children in Malaysia do not have the chance to have better education. Thanks to volunteers who gladly want to help those kids in getting education. If any of you thinking of volunteering with those children, you can visit this blog (http://www.welcometoerinsworld.com/2013/06/14/kl-volunteer-opportunity-kachin-refugee-school) as they will give you all the information about the kids learning place. :)
It is important for us the help these people as they do not have opportunities as how we Malaysian have. But still they have the rights to live peacefully and get eduation to have better future. As how one of the website(https://globalvoices.org/2015/08/12/in-malaysia-myanmars-refugee-children-go-to-school-in-fear/) update us, Myanmars refugee children having their education in the feeling of fears. how does it feel for us to go to school with fears? Surely we could not learn well. It is important for us to lend our hand to help them.
Sunday, May 1, 2016
Friday, April 29, 2016
How we can help the Myanmar's refugee children?
Assalamualaikum. :)
Let us ponder on how we could help those Myanmar refugees children in school, especially as counselors.
First and foremost, the most important thing that we need to gather from them is their needs assessment. From there we can know how we could help them having better life. Counselors competencies are importants in dealing with multicultural people. They need to:
-ability to recognize direct and indirect communication style
- linguistic differences
-concern with the welfare of person from another culture
- awareness of the relationship
- Learning the language of another culture is an effective way – to increase one’s information
As counselors also, we need to have knowledge on the client, especially from another culture.
Criteria of knowledge:
- Specific knowledge about the culture
- know the history, values, attitudes
- has information about the resources
- know about her/ his own culture in relation to others culture
We also need to acquire specific sets of skills in dealing with multicultural client.The skills should has an appropriate teaching style, has appropriate training technique, has ability to built rapport with person from other culture and has creativity.
Dealing with those minority groups of people in school, we should not touch on their sensitivity issues as it will hurt them and made them not comfortable to share their problems with counselors. We should also know how to buil rapport with them, and use language that they understand which make us need to learn their language, in order to make use easy to deal with them.
There are many things that we need to take care on when counseling with people from other culture. We think that's all for now. We'll update more in the next entry. Adios people. :)
Let us ponder on how we could help those Myanmar refugees children in school, especially as counselors.
First and foremost, the most important thing that we need to gather from them is their needs assessment. From there we can know how we could help them having better life. Counselors competencies are importants in dealing with multicultural people. They need to:
-ability to recognize direct and indirect communication style
- linguistic differences
-concern with the welfare of person from another culture
- awareness of the relationship
- Learning the language of another culture is an effective way – to increase one’s information
As counselors also, we need to have knowledge on the client, especially from another culture.
Criteria of knowledge:
- Specific knowledge about the culture
- know the history, values, attitudes
- has information about the resources
- know about her/ his own culture in relation to others culture
We also need to acquire specific sets of skills in dealing with multicultural client.The skills should has an appropriate teaching style, has appropriate training technique, has ability to built rapport with person from other culture and has creativity.
Dealing with those minority groups of people in school, we should not touch on their sensitivity issues as it will hurt them and made them not comfortable to share their problems with counselors. We should also know how to buil rapport with them, and use language that they understand which make us need to learn their language, in order to make use easy to deal with them.
There are many things that we need to take care on when counseling with people from other culture. We think that's all for now. We'll update more in the next entry. Adios people. :)
Thursday, April 28, 2016
The Culture of Saudi Arabia
The culture of Saudi Arabia is a rich one that has been shaped by its Islamic heritage, its historical role as an ancient trade center, and its Bedouin traditions. Saudi society has experienced tremendous development over the past several decades, and the Saudi people have taken their values and traditions and adapted them to the modern world. The Crossroads of the World Located at the center of important ancient trade routes, the Arab people were enriched by many different civilizations. As early as 3000 BC, Arab merchants were part of a far-reaching trade network that extended to south Asia, the Mediterranean and Egypt. They served as a vital link between India and the Far East on one side, and Byzantium and the Mediterranean lands on the other.
The introduction of Islam in the 7th century AD further defined the region’s culture. Within a century of its birth in the Arabian Peninsula, Islam had spread west to the Atlantic Ocean and east to India and China. It fostered a dynamic period of great learning in culture, science, philosophy and the arts known as the Islamic ‘‘Golden Age.’’ Every year for the past 14 centuries, Muslim pilgrims from around the world have traveled to holy sites in Makkah and Madinah, further enriching the region’s culture. The pilgrims brought ivory from Africa and carpets from the East, and took local goods back to their homelands.
When the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was formed in 1932, King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al-Saud dedicated himself to preserving Arab and Islamic traditions and culture, and his sons and successors have done the same. Arab and Islamic Traditions Saudi traditions are rooted in Islamic teachings and Arab customs, which Saudis learn about at an early age from their families and in schools. The highlights of the year are the holy month of Ramadan and the Hajj (pilgrimage) season, and the holidays that follow them. The holy month of Ramadan, during which Muslim fast from dawn to dusk, culminates with teh Eid-Al-Fitr, in which it is customary to buy presents and clothes for children and visit friends and relatives.
Cultural Do’s and Don’ts:
• It is insulting to ask about a Muslim’s wife or another female family member.
• Don’t stare at women on the street or initiate conversation with them.
• If meeting a female, do not attempt to shake her hand unless she extends it. In addition, never greet a woman with an embrace or kiss.
• Avoid pointing a finger at an Arab or beckoning with a finger.
• Use the right hand to eat, touch, and present gifts; the left is generally regarded as unclean.
• Avoid putting feet on tables or furniture.
• Refrain from leaning against walls, slouching in chairs, and keeping hands in pockets.
• Do not show the soles of the feet, as they are the lowest and dirtiest part of the body.
(credits to https://lostinriyadh.wordpress.com/)
The introduction of Islam in the 7th century AD further defined the region’s culture. Within a century of its birth in the Arabian Peninsula, Islam had spread west to the Atlantic Ocean and east to India and China. It fostered a dynamic period of great learning in culture, science, philosophy and the arts known as the Islamic ‘‘Golden Age.’’ Every year for the past 14 centuries, Muslim pilgrims from around the world have traveled to holy sites in Makkah and Madinah, further enriching the region’s culture. The pilgrims brought ivory from Africa and carpets from the East, and took local goods back to their homelands.
When the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was formed in 1932, King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al-Saud dedicated himself to preserving Arab and Islamic traditions and culture, and his sons and successors have done the same. Arab and Islamic Traditions Saudi traditions are rooted in Islamic teachings and Arab customs, which Saudis learn about at an early age from their families and in schools. The highlights of the year are the holy month of Ramadan and the Hajj (pilgrimage) season, and the holidays that follow them. The holy month of Ramadan, during which Muslim fast from dawn to dusk, culminates with teh Eid-Al-Fitr, in which it is customary to buy presents and clothes for children and visit friends and relatives.
Cultural Do’s and Don’ts:
• It is insulting to ask about a Muslim’s wife or another female family member.
• Don’t stare at women on the street or initiate conversation with them.
• If meeting a female, do not attempt to shake her hand unless she extends it. In addition, never greet a woman with an embrace or kiss.
• Avoid pointing a finger at an Arab or beckoning with a finger.
• Use the right hand to eat, touch, and present gifts; the left is generally regarded as unclean.
• Avoid putting feet on tables or furniture.
• Refrain from leaning against walls, slouching in chairs, and keeping hands in pockets.
• Do not show the soles of the feet, as they are the lowest and dirtiest part of the body.
(credits to https://lostinriyadh.wordpress.com/)
Tuesday, April 26, 2016
Saudi Arabia part 3
Assalamualaikum guys. Welcome back. :)
So what are we going to write in this entry? Have any ideas? Nope? heee
We are going to write on the clothing of Saudis people.
CLOTHING
Headwear: Arab men often wear a three-piece head cover. The bottom piece of this head covering is a white cap that is sometimes filled with holes. This cap, called keffiya, is used to hold the hair in place. On top of it is a square cloth called a ghutra. On top of it is the agal, which is a thick, black cord woven into two rings that surrounds the top of the head and holds everything else in place. For male children, wearing the head covering is a sign of entering manhood. Inside the house, the head covering is not needed, although when a man has guests in his house he often wears it as a sign of respect. A checked ghutra is a symbol of a region. The agal cord is a holdover from the days when nomadic Saudis used the cords to tether their camels, and then wrapped the cord around their heads when riding to keep their ghutra in place. When this headwear is forcibly removed, one’s honor is tainted and blood has to be shed to remove the shame. But if the agal is removed voluntarily, the wearer is signifying allegiance. Arab women typically wear a scarf-like cover called Hejab that covers the hair but not the face.
Garments: Traditional Saudi male attire consists of a long-sleeved, one piece dress—called a dishdashah—that covers the whole body. This garment allows the air to circulate, which helps cool the body. During summer, it is usually made of white cotton; in winter, it is made from heavier fabric such as wool, and comes in darker colors. Dress is a major mark of identity in Saudi Arabia. Saudis (and other Gulf Arabs) wear a distinctive dishdashah or abaya. Foreign workers wear either their native clothing or westernstyle dress. Among male foreigners, the use of non-European style clothes is associated with low-paid, unskilled labor. South Asian women wear brightly colored saris or Western-style clothes. Saudi women in public in Saudi Arabia must be covered from head to toe in a black, anklelength, undecorated abaya and head scarf (hejab). The mutawwa, or religious police, will chase and beat women with camel whips if they spot a woman’s bare skin—occasionally an ankle or a wrist—in public. Unlike Arab women, however, South Asian women tend not to wear an abaya or hejab. Many Indian women wear a pin on their nose studded with semi-precious stones. Once a symbol of purity and marriage, the nose pin is today worn by many unmarried girls as well.
Done reading on their clothings? Don't worry, we have one more to share with you in this entry.
Lifestyle
Role of Family: A Saudi sees himself in the context of his family and, to a lesser degree, the tribe. His duty is never to himself but to the group. Within the family there is a strong sense of patrilineal descent, because a man is considered to be a descendant only of his father and paternal grandfather, never of his mother and or maternal grandfather. He belongs only to his father’s group, which claims his undivided loyalty. The most sought after marriages are first cousin marriages between children of brothers because by sharing the same grandfather, group solidarity is ensured. Saudis live in large extended families, a legacy of the nomadic lifestyle of their predecessors who travelled around the desert in family and tribal groups. The extended family functions as an economic unit. There is a distinct hierarchy in the Saudi family, made up of the male members of the family in descending order of age. The oldest male member decides what is in the best interests of the family, and the other family members are expected to agree and obey. The concept and practice of the intense individualism of the West is foreign to the Saudis. The lack of independent choice, even in matters of higher education, marriage and occupation, is accepted because the family is seen as a refuge that must remain unified to defend itself against the outside world. Similar to the tribal nomadic way of life that relied on the family for defense, modern Saudi families are a support system and safety net for the individual.
(credits to https://lostinriyadh.wordpress.com/ )
Thanks for reading guys. We'll update you guys more on the next entry. Thank you. :)XOXO
So what are we going to write in this entry? Have any ideas? Nope? heee
We are going to write on the clothing of Saudis people.
CLOTHING
Headwear: Arab men often wear a three-piece head cover. The bottom piece of this head covering is a white cap that is sometimes filled with holes. This cap, called keffiya, is used to hold the hair in place. On top of it is a square cloth called a ghutra. On top of it is the agal, which is a thick, black cord woven into two rings that surrounds the top of the head and holds everything else in place. For male children, wearing the head covering is a sign of entering manhood. Inside the house, the head covering is not needed, although when a man has guests in his house he often wears it as a sign of respect. A checked ghutra is a symbol of a region. The agal cord is a holdover from the days when nomadic Saudis used the cords to tether their camels, and then wrapped the cord around their heads when riding to keep their ghutra in place. When this headwear is forcibly removed, one’s honor is tainted and blood has to be shed to remove the shame. But if the agal is removed voluntarily, the wearer is signifying allegiance. Arab women typically wear a scarf-like cover called Hejab that covers the hair but not the face.
Garments: Traditional Saudi male attire consists of a long-sleeved, one piece dress—called a dishdashah—that covers the whole body. This garment allows the air to circulate, which helps cool the body. During summer, it is usually made of white cotton; in winter, it is made from heavier fabric such as wool, and comes in darker colors. Dress is a major mark of identity in Saudi Arabia. Saudis (and other Gulf Arabs) wear a distinctive dishdashah or abaya. Foreign workers wear either their native clothing or westernstyle dress. Among male foreigners, the use of non-European style clothes is associated with low-paid, unskilled labor. South Asian women wear brightly colored saris or Western-style clothes. Saudi women in public in Saudi Arabia must be covered from head to toe in a black, anklelength, undecorated abaya and head scarf (hejab). The mutawwa, or religious police, will chase and beat women with camel whips if they spot a woman’s bare skin—occasionally an ankle or a wrist—in public. Unlike Arab women, however, South Asian women tend not to wear an abaya or hejab. Many Indian women wear a pin on their nose studded with semi-precious stones. Once a symbol of purity and marriage, the nose pin is today worn by many unmarried girls as well.
Done reading on their clothings? Don't worry, we have one more to share with you in this entry.
Lifestyle
Role of Family: A Saudi sees himself in the context of his family and, to a lesser degree, the tribe. His duty is never to himself but to the group. Within the family there is a strong sense of patrilineal descent, because a man is considered to be a descendant only of his father and paternal grandfather, never of his mother and or maternal grandfather. He belongs only to his father’s group, which claims his undivided loyalty. The most sought after marriages are first cousin marriages between children of brothers because by sharing the same grandfather, group solidarity is ensured. Saudis live in large extended families, a legacy of the nomadic lifestyle of their predecessors who travelled around the desert in family and tribal groups. The extended family functions as an economic unit. There is a distinct hierarchy in the Saudi family, made up of the male members of the family in descending order of age. The oldest male member decides what is in the best interests of the family, and the other family members are expected to agree and obey. The concept and practice of the intense individualism of the West is foreign to the Saudis. The lack of independent choice, even in matters of higher education, marriage and occupation, is accepted because the family is seen as a refuge that must remain unified to defend itself against the outside world. Similar to the tribal nomadic way of life that relied on the family for defense, modern Saudi families are a support system and safety net for the individual.
(credits to https://lostinriyadh.wordpress.com/ )
Thanks for reading guys. We'll update you guys more on the next entry. Thank you. :)
Sunday, April 24, 2016
Wedding of the Peranakans
Assalamualaikum and welcome back awesome people ;)
We are going to share on the wedding of the Peranakans. Read up guys.
It was not uncommon for early Chinese traders to take Malay women of Peninsular Malay or Sumatera as wives or concubines. Consequently the Baba Nyonya possessed a synergistic mix of Sino-Malay cultural traits. Written records from the 19th and early 20th centuries show that Peranakan men usually took brides from within the local Peranakan community. Peranakan families occasionally imported brides from China and sent their daughters to China to find husbands.
Marriages within the community and of similar stature were the norm. Wealthy men prefigured to marry a chin choay: or matrilocal marriage where husband moved in with wife's family.
Proposals of marriage were made by a gift of a pinangan, a 2-tiered lacquered basket, to the intended bride's parents brought by a go-between who speaks on behalf of the suitor. Most Peranakans are not Muslim, and have retained the traditions of ancestor worship of the Chinese, though some converted to Christianity.
The wedding ceremony of the Peranakan is largely based on Chinese tradition, and is one of the most colorful wedding ceremonies in Malaysia and Singapore. At weddings, theDondang Sayang, a form of extempore rhyming song in Malay sung and danced by guests at the wedding party, was a highlight. Someone would begin a romantic theme which was carried on by others, each taking the floor in turn, dancing in slow gyrations as they sang. It required quick wit and repartee and often gave rise to laughter and applause when a particularly clever phrase was sung. The melodic accents of the Baba-Nonya and their particular turns of phrase lend to the charm of this performance.
(credits to http://nyonyaandbaba.blogspot.my/2009/07/marriage-of-baba-and-nyonya.html)
That's all guys. XOXO
We are going to share on the wedding of the Peranakans. Read up guys.
It was not uncommon for early Chinese traders to take Malay women of Peninsular Malay or Sumatera as wives or concubines. Consequently the Baba Nyonya possessed a synergistic mix of Sino-Malay cultural traits. Written records from the 19th and early 20th centuries show that Peranakan men usually took brides from within the local Peranakan community. Peranakan families occasionally imported brides from China and sent their daughters to China to find husbands.
Marriages within the community and of similar stature were the norm. Wealthy men prefigured to marry a chin choay: or matrilocal marriage where husband moved in with wife's family.
Proposals of marriage were made by a gift of a pinangan, a 2-tiered lacquered basket, to the intended bride's parents brought by a go-between who speaks on behalf of the suitor. Most Peranakans are not Muslim, and have retained the traditions of ancestor worship of the Chinese, though some converted to Christianity.
The wedding ceremony of the Peranakan is largely based on Chinese tradition, and is one of the most colorful wedding ceremonies in Malaysia and Singapore. At weddings, theDondang Sayang, a form of extempore rhyming song in Malay sung and danced by guests at the wedding party, was a highlight. Someone would begin a romantic theme which was carried on by others, each taking the floor in turn, dancing in slow gyrations as they sang. It required quick wit and repartee and often gave rise to laughter and applause when a particularly clever phrase was sung. The melodic accents of the Baba-Nonya and their particular turns of phrase lend to the charm of this performance.
(credits to http://nyonyaandbaba.blogspot.my/2009/07/marriage-of-baba-and-nyonya.html)
That's all guys. XOXO
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Taboo's of the Peranakans family
Assalamualaikum :)
As what the topic of this entry, we will share with you on the taboos within the family of Baba Nyonya.
Mysterious Peranakan Taboos
Taboo is a prohibition resulting from social custom. It is also called “pantang-larang” in Baba Malay. We got the information of Peranakan taboos from a Baba at a restaurant in Malacca when he was having his lunch with his family, but he refused to take a picture with us. From him, we got to know that Peranakan taboos are almost the same as Chinese taboos. Here are some taboos that he mentioned:
Marriage taboos
1.Pregnant women are not allowed to attend any weddings and get involve in the preparations for the wedding ceremony.
2.A new born baby and the mother are also strictly prohibited to attend any weddings unless the baby’s “Full Moon” celebration is celebrated. Even the family members of the baby are not welcomed during the wedding as the groom and bride might think that they would bring bad luck to them.
3.Guests are not allowed to wear black or white attire while attending the weddings as these attires are meant for “sorrow occasion.”
Chinese New Year taboos
a. Sweeping is forbidden during the first three days of Chinese New Year as they believe that good luck would be swept away. They also believe that it is considered “suay” which is known as “unlucky” when the broom touches their feet during the floor sweeping.
b. Children are encouraged to stay up late during Chinese New Year eve as they believe this will help to prolong the life of their parents.
Funeral taboo
1.When one has just passed away, her/his family members are encouraged to cover their mirrors and reflecting surfaces as they believe that the death person would catch their soul to accompany it to the underworld.
Dining taboo
1.Sitting at the corner of the dining table is a big “no-no” as they believe that the table corner is like a sharp knife pointing at the person who is sitting there.
Picture Taking taboo
1.It is strictly forbidden for three person to take a photo together as they believe that the one who is standing in the middle would be the first to die.
Other taboos
1.Children are strictly not to be allowed to point at the full moon as they believe that the God of the moon would cut around the children’s ear.
It seems that they practice few taboos just like how the Chinese did.oopss! OF course they do, as they are a mix of Chinese family too.
(taken from http://9peranakanlayers.blogspot.my/2011/03/taboo-is-prohibition-resulting-from.html)
Alright, that's all for today guys. We'll update more in the next entry. Adios people.
As what the topic of this entry, we will share with you on the taboos within the family of Baba Nyonya.
Mysterious Peranakan Taboos
Taboo is a prohibition resulting from social custom. It is also called “pantang-larang” in Baba Malay. We got the information of Peranakan taboos from a Baba at a restaurant in Malacca when he was having his lunch with his family, but he refused to take a picture with us. From him, we got to know that Peranakan taboos are almost the same as Chinese taboos. Here are some taboos that he mentioned:
Marriage taboos
1.Pregnant women are not allowed to attend any weddings and get involve in the preparations for the wedding ceremony.
2.A new born baby and the mother are also strictly prohibited to attend any weddings unless the baby’s “Full Moon” celebration is celebrated. Even the family members of the baby are not welcomed during the wedding as the groom and bride might think that they would bring bad luck to them.
3.Guests are not allowed to wear black or white attire while attending the weddings as these attires are meant for “sorrow occasion.”
Chinese New Year taboos
a. Sweeping is forbidden during the first three days of Chinese New Year as they believe that good luck would be swept away. They also believe that it is considered “suay” which is known as “unlucky” when the broom touches their feet during the floor sweeping.
b. Children are encouraged to stay up late during Chinese New Year eve as they believe this will help to prolong the life of their parents.
Funeral taboo
1.When one has just passed away, her/his family members are encouraged to cover their mirrors and reflecting surfaces as they believe that the death person would catch their soul to accompany it to the underworld.
Dining taboo
1.Sitting at the corner of the dining table is a big “no-no” as they believe that the table corner is like a sharp knife pointing at the person who is sitting there.
Picture Taking taboo
1.It is strictly forbidden for three person to take a photo together as they believe that the one who is standing in the middle would be the first to die.
Other taboos
1.Children are strictly not to be allowed to point at the full moon as they believe that the God of the moon would cut around the children’s ear.
It seems that they practice few taboos just like how the Chinese did.
(taken from http://9peranakanlayers.blogspot.my/2011/03/taboo-is-prohibition-resulting-from.html)
Alright, that's all for today guys. We'll update more in the next entry. Adios people.
Sunday, April 17, 2016
Peranakan @ Baba Nyonya: 3
Assalamualaikum. Hi awesome people ;) we meet again in this entry on the Peranakans.
So today we gonna learn some of their language, okay? :)
The language of the Peranakans, Baba Malay (Bahasa Melayu Baba), is a creole dialect of the Malay Language (Bahasa Melayu), which contains many of the words from the Chinese Hokkien dialect. It is a dying language, and its contemporary use is mainly limited to members of the older generation. English has now replaced this as the main language spoken amongst the younger generation. Young Peranakans have lost many of their language, so there is normally a difference in vocabulary between the older and younger generations.
A glossary of some of the popular Baba Nyonya words:
Amek =Take
Apa khabair =How are you?
Apasair = Why?
Arimo = Tiger
Bak wan = Pork meatball
Bakol Sia = A red and black lacquered bamboo basket with cover
Besair = Big
Bibik = Form of address for an elderly lady
Bikin = Make
Bini = Wife
Brani = Brave
Bukan = No
Cha Kiak = Wooden Clogs
Changkir = Cup
Chap chai = Mixed vegetable stew
Chebok = To clean oneself up after defecating
Cherki = A traditional Nyonya card game
Chi wan = Bathroom
Gua = I/Me
Ia = Yes
Jantan = Man/male
Kachuak = Cockroach
Kalu = If
Kam Cheng = Porcelain jar with cover
Kam Siah = Thank you
Kasair = Rough
Kek khi = Annoyed/frustrated
Kek sim = Unhappy/heartbroken
Kepiting = Crab
Kopiah = Hat
Kui = Kneel
Kuping = Ear
Kus Semangat = An expression of surprise/mild shock
Laki = Husband
Lapair = Hungry
Lau Nuah = Drooling
Lawa = Stylish/good looking
Lecheh = Troublesome
Lemo = Lime
Lu = You
Loteng = Upstairs
Mo = Want
Ohng = Good luck
Omor = Age
Pasair = Market
Perot = Stomach
Pi = Go
Prompuan = Woman/female
Ramay = Well-attended/crowded (indicating many people)
Suay = Bad luck
Sumpet = Chopsticks
Temberang = Bluff
Tim = Double-boil
Tok Panjang = Long (dining) table
Tu = Cupboard
Ujan = Rain
Ulair = Snake
So now you can speak just like how the Peranakans speak too. happy learning new language ;)
So today we gonna learn some of their language, okay? :)
The language of the Peranakans, Baba Malay (Bahasa Melayu Baba), is a creole dialect of the Malay Language (Bahasa Melayu), which contains many of the words from the Chinese Hokkien dialect. It is a dying language, and its contemporary use is mainly limited to members of the older generation. English has now replaced this as the main language spoken amongst the younger generation. Young Peranakans have lost many of their language, so there is normally a difference in vocabulary between the older and younger generations.
A glossary of some of the popular Baba Nyonya words:
Amek =Take
Apa khabair =How are you?
Apasair = Why?
Arimo = Tiger
Bak wan = Pork meatball
Bakol Sia = A red and black lacquered bamboo basket with cover
Besair = Big
Bibik = Form of address for an elderly lady
Bikin = Make
Bini = Wife
Brani = Brave
Bukan = No
Cha Kiak = Wooden Clogs
Changkir = Cup
Chap chai = Mixed vegetable stew
Chebok = To clean oneself up after defecating
Cherki = A traditional Nyonya card game
Chi wan = Bathroom
Gua = I/Me
Ia = Yes
Jantan = Man/male
Kachuak = Cockroach
Kalu = If
Kam Cheng = Porcelain jar with cover
Kam Siah = Thank you
Kasair = Rough
Kek khi = Annoyed/frustrated
Kek sim = Unhappy/heartbroken
Kepiting = Crab
Kopiah = Hat
Kui = Kneel
Kuping = Ear
Kus Semangat = An expression of surprise/mild shock
Laki = Husband
Lapair = Hungry
Lau Nuah = Drooling
Lawa = Stylish/good looking
Lecheh = Troublesome
Lemo = Lime
Lu = You
Loteng = Upstairs
Mo = Want
Ohng = Good luck
Omor = Age
Pasair = Market
Perot = Stomach
Pi = Go
Prompuan = Woman/female
Ramay = Well-attended/crowded (indicating many people)
Suay = Bad luck
Sumpet = Chopsticks
Temberang = Bluff
Tim = Double-boil
Tok Panjang = Long (dining) table
Tu = Cupboard
Ujan = Rain
Ulair = Snake
So now you can speak just like how the Peranakans speak too. happy learning new language ;)
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