KUCHING: If the spirit of ‘gasak ajak’ is invoked, it will affect the English language when used in any official matter, said Universiti Malaya (UM) political analyst Associate Professor Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi.
He was commenting on the statement by Education, Science and Technological Research Minister Datuk Seri Michael Manyin Jawong in allowing teachers to use ‘local English’ to teach the students.
Dr Awang explained that the term ‘the Queen’s English’ dates back to 1592, Queen Elizabeth I’s time, but using the Queen’s English was not the prerogative of any royalty or class, group, region or country.
“The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as ‘the English language as regarded as under the guardianship of the Queen; hence, standard or correct English.
“Without rules and conventions, the true meaning of a word or pronunciation, is said to be anarchy, a lack of understanding of the meaning and philosophy or soul of the word itself, the standard language is required and understood by all including the international even though there are regional and ethnic variations, especially pronunciation,” he noted.
Dr Awang further clarified that the Queen’s English refers to precise grammar, correct vocabulary even when spoken with ethnic or regional accents.
“It should be used when writing official letters, job application essays and all official matters. It comes spontaneously without having to think we are using the Queen’s English.
“If the spirit of ‘gasak ajak’ is invoked it will disrupt and damage the official language in job interviews, formal meetings, international relations and others,” he stressed.
