Chapter 3. Malaysian English

Hashim, Azirah; Tan, Rachel Siew Kuang

doi:10.1075/veaw.g42.07has

In:English in Southeast Asia: Features, policy and language in use
Edited by Ee-Ling Low and Azirah Hashim
[Varieties of English Around the World G42] 2012
► pp. 55–74

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Chapter 3. Malaysian English

Azirah Hashim | University of Malaya, Malaysia

Rachel Siew Kuang Tan | University of Malaya, Malaysia

Published online: 24 January 2012

https://doi.org/10.1075/veaw.g42.07has

This chapter provides an overview of the status of Malaysian English (MalE) and discusses the phonological, grammatical and lexical features of this variety. It begins by giving the socio-historical and socio-political context in which this variety is found, illustrating the cultural diversity of and regional differences in the country. Features of pronunciation, grammar and lexis are described and exemplified. This is done firstly by providing a description of the vowels, consonants and suprasegmental features found. Secondly, structural nativization at the grammatical level is discussed focussing on noun phrase structure and verb phrase structure. Thirdly, lexis in MalE is highlighted and categorised according to whether they are globally known or locally known, used formally of informally, their ethnic origin as well as their currency.

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