History has shown that lives can be lost by saying the wrong things at the wrong time…to the wrong person or persons at the wrong place.
Captain James Cook may have discovered the Australian Gold Coast but he was tragically killed by savages, believed to be cannibals, in Kealakekua Bay, Hawaii.
When going ashore and asked his name, he allegedly replied: “COOK”, not realising that those “welcoming” him were a group of savages hunting for their dinner.
What was a famous explorer’s name became an invitation for cannibals to add him to their dinner menu.
History didn’t mention that he was cooked or eaten by cannibals, though he was recorded as being killed by “wild natives”.
But we never had access or proof of what actually transpired, have we?
So my version of history cannot be totally dispelled too.
“Language” is defined as “the method of human communication, either spoken or written, consisting of the use of words in a structured and conventional way.”
“Communication” is defined as “the imparting or exchanging of information by speaking, writing, or using some other medium.”
When proper and clear language is used, it results in good and effective communication and the message is easily understood – including sign language and gestures.
I am confining this discussion to English for simplicity and ease of illustration.
A man’s genuine intention to expand his business resulted in the bank receiving this letter:
“Dear Sir, I am writing to apply for a loan to build a whorehouse for my imported meat business. I thank you for your support and consideration … ”
Although he meant a “warehouse”, it is not surprising that “wayhouse”, “wherehouse” or even “whorehouse” were used as there are also instances of lucky but lazy employees “getting the sake” (Japanese wine) instead of the “sack”.
It was Heaven who got the sack instead of the sake.
We also cannot expect much divine answers when we prefer “play” over “pray”. With God, it’s serious business.
Restaurants serving “Roasted Lamp” are rare but hungry customers are not necessarily delighted by such a menu.
A slow economy isn’t very encouraging and a pet shop had problems selling a dog. The pet shop owner blamed the economy but overlooked his vocabulary when he posted this advertisement.
“Dog for sale. Easy to maintain. Eats almost anything. Especially fond of children. Free rabies.”
The poor dog – if only it could read.
Whoever wrote the notice deserves to be bitten, if not eaten.
However, a car owner received many offers after putting up an online advertisement to sell her car.
It read, “Car for sale. Lady owner. Beautiful body. Hardly used. Price negotiable.”
I once attended a friend’s “unnecessary dinner”. It was actually an anniversary dinner but it was mispronounced over the public address system as an “unnecessary” dinner. I enjoyed myself, nevertheless.
It is also a trend and source of pride to be associated with the corporate world as I keep hearing people thanking me for “my corporation”. I think they meant “cooperation”.
Whatever positions married couples choose is their private and personal preferences but a VIP apparently went public to suggest “Ladies under Gentlemen” in his opening speech.
It must be an excellent suggestion judging from the thunderous applause and standing ovation he received from the ladies and gentlemen present at the function.
Of late, there have been statements made by our leaders on issues which appear confusing to many people.
I feel for some of our leaders when they tried to explain the “MA63 terminology” to the ordinary people, especially on addressing the status of Sarawak being downgraded from “‘an equal founding partner” to “a state” within the Federation of Malaysia.
More confusing is when they tried to explain that “State” and “state” mean different things when used in a different context.
“Wilayah” was even mentioned – how confusing and misleading it can be.
Not to mention “autonomy”, “full autonomy”, self-government and independence.
There are still those who are confused over “equal partners” as compared to “equal status as founding partners” as frequently and loosely used.
“Equal status as founding partners” means that Sarawak was “one of the four” original founding partners comprising Malaya, Singapore, Sabah and Sarawak coming together to form Malaysia.
We can hardly be called “equal partners” when parliamentary representation is unequal and cabinet positions are not equally shared, among other things.
Like a married couple – they may be “equal partners” in the eyes of the Almighty or the Law but how can they be “equal partners” when almost all decisions are made “unequally” by one domineering partner?
Doesn’t that sound similar to Sarawak’s position in Malaysia?
“Visit Sarawak” campaign is a good initiative by the government but it appears that there are “terrorists” among the “tourists”, with one even visiting Serian although he did not have any Syrian friends there.
Perhaps he may have mistaken the Ministry of Tourism for Terrorism during its promotion overseas.
All said, it augers well when healthy discussion is encouraged to dispel any misunderstanding or miscommunication.
However, it is still good to steer clear of race and religion unless all parties are mature and knowledgeable enough to engage in or discuss and debate on such issues.
Ignorance, prejudices and bias have largely contributed to many racial and religious conflicts – so much so that what were once funny and laughable over coffee are no longer acceptable as jokes or humour.
“Oh my god” is deemed offensive or even blasphemous to some and perhaps it is safer to use “Oh my goat”, with a slight mispronunciation.
Even the poor cockerel seems uneasy when “cock” is mentioned and Persian cats dread being called “pussycats” for adult reasons.
Cows and bulls are not spared either and so are dogs and donkeys.
It’s no joke to be treated like a dog although dogs are generally well-treated as pets.
But being called a donkey is insulting although an ass sounds less offensive unless a hole is included.
In line with the improvement in our lifestyles and progress, together with awareness on human rights, “servants” are now referred to as “domestic helpers”.
Maybe we should also start addressing “housewives” as “domestic engineers” although many still prefer to be called “homemakers”.
“Automobile” sounds more classy than “cars” just as Starbucks coffee sounds better than ordinary kopitiam coffee.
It’s alright to try and be different for a good reason but it’s equally important not to be indifferent.
As a famous leader once said, “It’s nice to be important but it’s more important to be nice.”
It’s also nice to sprinkle it with some humour too.
All said, it does pay to mind our own business and it pays better dividend to mind our language too.
Regards and have a blessed weekend.
• The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the New Sarawak Tribune.
