Here is the research paper done by the names mentioned below. This may be helpful to those who are taking Sociolinguistics this semester as an additional reference.
Researchers : RASYIDI BIN MUHAMMAD RADZI 0028739
HAIZLIL BIN ABDUL RAHMAN 0026255
AZLAN SHAH BIN FADZIL 0026877
FAIRUZ HEDY BIN ZAINUDIN 0021123
ABDULLAH ZAWAWI BIN HAJI OMAR 0023495
ADE SHAIZAL BIN RASHDI 0024083
INTRODUCTION
IDIOMATIC phrases are used as signals of the response and its occurrence after a previous negatively evaluated ‘conventional treatment’. Idioms are often a problem for the teacher insomuch as it is not always easy to find natural context in which to present them. Research by Moon (1987) suggests that writers and speakers use idiomatic phrases to organize their discourse and to signal evaluation, far more frequently than previously linguistic studies of idiomaticity have suggested. Idioms are good metaphors for the kinds of textual segment we have been looking at.[1]
THE OBJECTIVE OF RESEARCH
HERE are some of the objectives of the assignment
· To understand the true meaning of the Malaysian idiomatic expression as it cannot be interpreted literally.
· To understand its function in the Malaysian society especially Malay culture
· To understand how this idiomatic expressions are used
· To understand its importance in the society
THE SCOPE OF RESEARCH
WITHIN this assignment, we will try to elaborate upon how some of the Malaysian Idiomatic expressions are used, its function in Malay culture and as well as how to understand them better.
In order to clarify the objective of the assignment, we will try to elaborate upon the importance of understanding the real meaning of particular idiomatic expression, its function, and how it is used and the necessity of the idiomatic phrases along with our collected data, which is based on people’s daily speech.
1. THE TRUE MEANING
SINCE idiomatic expression cannot be interpreted in a way it is written, it is important for a person to have the capability to understand or to dive into the real meaning of the expression. As mentioned earlier, idiomatic expressions are good examples of metaphors as it is used to symbolize other things rather than the solid image of the word itself. Consider the following conversation: (the idiomatic phrases are written in italic).
A : Kau dapat berapa markah kuiz kau?
B : Adalah…okeylah…
A : Bagi tau aje lah kau dapat berapa, aku dapat 7.
B : Nanti kalau aku cakap kau kata aku masuk bakul angkat sendiri pulak.
A : Oo… kau dapat 10 ye
B : (nodding)
Conversation 1
From the above conversation, we can note that B tries not to be showing off with his good mark and refuses to mention his grade to A. Though A has forced B to reveal his mark, B tries to use idiomatic expression ‘masuk bakul angkat sendiri’ as to indicate that if he reveals his mark, people might think that he is showing off, since the real meaning of this idiomatic expression is to be proud of oneself, rather than ‘get into any basket and try to lift it without any help of others’.
Also, we can note that the idiomatic expression used by B somehow gives hint to A, as he can predict that B for sure has gotten a better mark compared to him, as he replies ‘Oo… kau dapat 10 ye’ and followed by the nodding of B.
2. FUNCTIONS OF IDIOMATIC EXPRESSION IN SOCIETY
WE have analyzed that there are several functions of idiomatic expression in society especially Malay culture. Here are the functions that we have come across.
2.1 TO PORTRAY POLITENESS
ONE of the importance functions of idiomatic expression is to portray politeness in speech. Again look at the example of Conversation 1.
A : Bagi tau aje lah kau dapat berapa, aku dapat 7.
B : Nanti kalau aku cakap kau kata aku masuk bakul angkat sendiri pulak.
A : Oo… kau dapat 10 ye
If B is to reveal his mark right after being asked by A, it could probably that A might feel irritated due to the reply since A could sense B’s pride in getting full mark for his quiz. By having to use the idiomatic expression, A is somehow has assumed that B is not arrogant or being snobbish.
2.2 MEANING IN CONTEXT
Conversation 2
C : Kami datang membawa hajat
D : Silakan.
C : Hajat di hati ingin menyunting bunga di taman
D : Apa kumbang benar-benar mahu menghinggapi bunga?
.
Conversation 3.
Leman : Eh, Karim, kau nak ke mana tu?
Karim : Keluar kejap, Man, aku ada hajat sikit ni… (blushing)
Leman : Sakit perut ke?
Karim : A’ah, pergi dulu ni… (went away)
FROM these conversations, notice the usage of the word ‘hajat’ (intention/wish) as in Conversation 2, the term hajat is used to express the intention of C to propose D’s daughter in marriage whereas compared to Conversation 3, the word hajat indicates that Karim wants to relief himself at the toilet.
The word ‘hajat’ delivers different meaning between these two conversations because of the context or the situation that occurs between the two entities. We can sense the real meaning by the help of other words that accompanied the word ‘hajat’ as ‘membawa hajat’ and ‘ada hajat’ within these two conversations.
2.3 TO PORTRAY SOLIDARITY
THE other function of idiomatic expression is to portray solidarity between two participants.
Karim : Keluar kejap, Man, aku ada hajat sikit ni… (blushing)
Leman : Sakit perut ke?
Look at the above conversation, where Leman is somehow tends to understand that Karim needs to relief himself. This function of solidarity also can be seen in Conversation 1, as B tends not to reveal his grade as he uses idiomatic phrases as in order to not to cause offense to his friend, A.
2.4 TO PORTRAY SOCIAL DISTANCE
ALSO, idiomatic expression functions to portray social distance, as in Conversation 2, we can sense that the two participants trying to establish good relationship as they never known each other before. In addition, these two participants are going to bind two families together. They both act as the representatives of the two families thus, the use of idiomatic expression is necessary to portray politeness and courteousness.
C : Kami datang membawa hajat (smiling)
D : Silakan.
C : Hajat di hati ingin menyunting bunga di taman
D : Apa kumbang benar-benar mahu menghinggapi bunga? (smiling)
3. HOW IDIOMATIC EXPRESSION IS USED
IT is important to know how idiomatic expression is used, and how to use it appropriately according to the context and the topic of conversation between the speakers. If the idiomatic expression is mistakenly used, the meaning may not suit with the context of conversation thus creates nonsense as it will be misunderstood, or offending others.
M : Cantik betul pengantin perempuan ni ye!
N : Yang lelakinya pun boleh tahan segaknya!
M : Hmm, kenalah, cantik sama cantik…
N : Yelah, macam pinang dibelah dua…
M : Kau bila lagi nak kahwin?
Conversation 4.
From the Conversation 4, the idiomatic phrase ‘macam pinang dibelah dua’ (similar to English idiom: match made in heaven) is used to indicate that the bride and the bridegroom are match and look perfect to be together. The expression is used within the appropriate context, as both participants understand that the idiomatic phrases are used to praise and deliver compliment.
On the other hand, idiomatic expression can be used ironically, and whenever it is used this way it requires the receiver to have the understanding upon how to interpret it the other way around. Look at the example below.
J : Eh, Ali cakap kat aku Daud dengan Soleh bergaduh? Bergaduh besar katanya! Betul ke?
K : Eh, tak lah… macam isi dengan kuku… (smiling)
J : Macam isi dengan kuku sangat!!! Ha ha ha (laughing)
Conversation 5.
From conversation 5, J is able to understand K’s idiomatic phrases ‘macam isi dengan kuku’ as it is delivered ironically. It is important for the participants to be aware in the context of conversation.
4. THE IMPORTANCE OF IDIOMATIC EXPRESSION IN SOCIETY
4.1 ACTS AS A CULTURAL IDENTITY OF THE MALAY SOCIETY
IDIOMATIC expressions reflect the Malay’s cultural background. These very expressions is among one of the cultural richness inherited from one generation to another, tracing way back from our ancestors who themselves are influenced by Sanskrit and Hindu culture. Idioms in Malay society are distinguished from idioms in other societies in the world in terms of its usage. For instance, in the Malay language, the word ‘kumbang’ (beetle) and ‘pungguk’ (owl) as in ‘pungguk rindukan bulan’ refer to a single young man who tries to seek a young woman to marry him. These two animals are widely use as a metaphor and are very familiar in the Malay society involving matters of courting.
4.2 TO SHOW POLITENESS AND COURTEOUSNESS
MALAYS are generally well known for their courteousness in everyday interaction. Idiomatic expressions act as a means to express politeness on the speaker’s behalf. In order not to offend the other party in certain sensitive matters, particular words or phrases are put into play in their speech. In the case of trying to correct one mistakes or giving a useful advice, the phrase ‘ ukurlah baju di badan sendiri’ for instance is used. It is simply translated literally in English as ‘measure the shirt on your own body’. Figuratively, it means one must know his own ability before venturing on something that he has never try before.
4.3 TO EXPRESS ABSTRACT IDEAS
IDIOMATIC phrases are used to express abstract ideas for examples; love, friendship and trust in an interesting manner. It is also important in avoiding dull and mundane speech at the same time, it makes the addressee interested and eager to participate in the conversation. In term of friendship for instance, the idioms used ‘bagai aur dengan tebing’ and ‘bagai isi dengan kuku’ which portrays the intimacy of two friends. In term of trust, the expression is ‘harapkan pagar, pagar makan padi’ which literarily means, ‘trust the fence but the fence destroys the paddy’ figuratively means one who is trusted for a responsibility (or known for his honesty upon responsibility) suddenly violates the trust given to him.
CONCLUSION
IN conclusion, idiomatic expression can be regarded as one of the essential tools in language, not only occurs in Malay language but other languages as well. As mentioned in our discussion above, idiomatic expression is very important to highlight the differences between societies, also, it shows the cultural politeness in delivering or expressing particular feelings depend on the context of conversation. One thing that most idiomatic expression shared in common is that they are derived from natural elements such as animals and plants. The reason is because of the familiarity upon the natural element and somehow these elements portray and symbolize the same idea such as rose is often signifies beauty. Individual regardless can easily relate the natural element with their lives as they see the elements as everyday occurrence.
REFERENCES
Holmes, Janet. Introduction to Sociolinguistics 2nd edition, 2001. England. Longman Group UK Limited.
McCarthy, Michael. Discourse Analysis for Language Teachers 2nd edition, 1999. England. Cambridge Language Teaching Library.
Summers, Della. Dictionary of Contemporary English (New Edition). 1987. England. Longman Group UK Limited.
Websites:
http://www.campus.fortunecity.com
http://www.edu.sg
http://www.khazanahmelayu.com
http://www.personeduc.com
http://www.tutor.com.my
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[1] McCarthy, Michael Discourse Analysis for Language Teachers 1984