By: Dr. Amir Rashad Mustaffa
Language reflects the culture, thinking, and history of a society. The Malay language, like any other language worldwide, is not exempt from natural evolution. Unfortunately, there are some who focus too much on the correct or prescribed form of the language, as if it were the only legitimate way to use it. In reality, language is a living and dynamic entity; it evolves and changes over time.
English, for example, has undergone many changes. In the past, what were considered “violations” of the language by purists have now become accepted as part of the standard language. The same goes for Malay, which has evolved over centuries through interaction with various cultures and civilisations. For example, historically speaking, adalah can be seen to be used with all sorts of noun phrases in Classical Malay texts, in spite of the prescribed rule that only ialah may combine with noun phrases, and dari can be seen to be used with all sorts of non-temporal or -locative noun phrases in Old Malay stone inscriptions, in spite of the prescribed rule that it must combine with noun phrases denoting time and location.
In fact, one of the most significant influences on the Malay language is Sanskrit, which has contributed substantially to the development of Malay vocabulary. Words like agama, pahala, dosa, puasa, and others, are examples of Sanskrit terms that have been accepted and are in common use in Islamic contexts in Nusantara. In reality, these terms were once conduits for Hindu-Buddhist ideology before the arrival of Islam and before becoming part of Islamic discourse. Today, the use of these words is considered normal by the general public, and most people may not even realise that these words have roots in another language, culture, and religion.
Language change is inevitable. No matter how strong the resistance from language purists or national policies, no one can stop the natural evolution of language. Language changes because it is used by people in various contexts, and no form of language remains unchanged except those that have been codified or frozen in the form of an official grammar.
Nevertheless, it is important for the younger generation to learn formal Malay because it reflects their level of education and knowledge. Formal Malay is essential in formal contexts such as government affairs, education, and mass media. It symbolises competence and professionalism and allows individuals to convey ideas more clearly and accurately in situations that require politeness and decorum.
Additionally, Malaysians need to be aware that there are two sides to the language coin: bahasa basahan (colloquial language) and bahasa persuratan (literary language), also known to be spoken versus written, informal versus formal, low versus high, etc. Both are equally important. Bahasa basahan is the language spoken in daily conversations, which is more relaxed and informal. It reflects the solidarity and cultural identity of the community. On the other hand, bahasa persuratan is a more formal and structured form of language used in official contexts.
Therefore, appreciating the Malay language does not mean we should neglect one form of language while only paying attention to the other. Instead, we should understand and recognise that the language has various forms that exist in different contexts. We need to appreciate the beauty and uniqueness of each form of the language and understand that each plays a significant role in our lives.
Appreciation of the Malay language should involve recognition of all its forms and variations. Language is not merely a system of grammar and rules; it is a tool for communication and expression rich in history and heritage. We need to be more positive about how the language is used and how it evolves in daily life, whilst also ensuring that the younger generation masters the formal form of the language as a reflection of their education. The Malay language, like any other language, will continue to evolve, and that is what makes it alive and germane.
The author is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Malaysian Languages and Applied Linguistics, Faculty of Languages and Linguistics, Universiti Malaya, and can be contacted via email at armus@um.edu.my.
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