Does it really matter if I type in Americanized English in Malaysia?

Question

A lot of Malaysians are telling me that Americanized English is wrong and 'not English'. I know, I used to 'think' that way too, but I don't find 'Malaysian English' standards too highly either (which Malaysians themselves often associate themselves with)... What do you think?

Answer 1

Do you mean 'Americanised'?

hehehe

(Just kidding)

Answer 2

Just stick to either one and don't mix them up. But it does seem rather weird to those who are used to British standard, and that includes Ireland, Australia, NZ... I must second Mr Bean, that Z pricked into my eyes too, hehe =)

Malaysia officially uses (or should I say 'misuses') British English, although some words are different, and are found neither in British nor in American English, or their use is simply different (wrong to English standards). "Handphone" is the most common example, British call it mobile phone, Americans call it cellular phone or cell phone...

Generally, Malaysians' English grammar is terribly poor and baby mistakes are just way to common, for example inappropriate use of -ing and -s. So what are you thinks? =))

That's neither British nor American, I would hardly call it English.

The reasons for the distinction between British and American spelling are quite simple: at the time when the US declared THEIR independence English spelling was not yet standardised, and spelling varieties existed. Another reason was political: Americans wanted to show their independence through language as well. Although Germans were the largest ethnic group in the US, German couldn't pass as the new working language for 2 reasons:
- Germans were the largest ethnic group, however they were outnumbered by the English, Scottish, Irish and Welsh combined.
- USA were British colonies thus non-British settlers mostly knew English while the British and the Irish didn't know German.

There are other differences apart from s/z, -our/-or, and slangs aren't likely to be mutually understood.

Huge influx of immigrants further degraded American English, and nowadays most of them can't use tenses properly, especially present and past perfect.

Moving forward to speaking, not all British accents are non-rhotic but standard pronounciation is. Ireland, Australia, NZ, South Africa, etc, have their own pronounciation standards although their spelling is almost entirely British with few exceptions.

Malaysian pronounciation is even worse than the spelling, and even after 3 years in Malaysia, I still find many Malaysians not comprehendable. "on the way" and "underwear" have the same pronounciation in Malaysia.

I am also amused (or annoyed) when some Malaysian speakers who consider their English better than that of other Malaysians come up with some old Victorian phrase or idiom which has long been obsolete, trying to show off in front of other Malaysians or trying to impress the foreigners. It doesn't work; to me they simply look arrogant.

I also think I should remind Malaysians that word "angry" exists in English vocabulary, since most of them tend to use "pissed off" which is quite a harsh word and rather rude.

I shall conclude my answer with an anecdote when a German tourist came to England and ordered a steak in a restaurant. He wanted to have it less cooked so there is some blood left on the steak, what we call 'rare' in BE, yet unfortunately he didn't know the word, so he ordered: "I want a bloody steak!". The waiter replied: "do you want a f*cking potato too?".

Answer 3

Both British 'original' English and American style English are accepted worldwide including Malaysia. But, please be consistent and don't do things like, in one sentence British style and in the other American style.

There is no Malaysian English. Our English follows the British style. Hence, some hardcore fans may feel frustrated when you try something funny.

Anyway, I don't think our English standard is high, except for those who pursues a degree or higher education in English literature.

Answer 4

Actually there is no such thing as correct or wrong English. Take for example the word you used AMERICANIZED. Some people actually spell it as AMERICANISED. See the Z and S effect? I wont say who is right or wrong, as long as the other party understands what you are trying to say.

Tell me about my standard....

Answer 5

I use Canadaion English and some of my friends think I should use Americanized English here in Canada so I just use what II what to use and I don't care what they think and what they say about it!!!! I would us what ever English you what to!!!!! I hope this helps you!!!

Answer 6

You should type in New Zealand english.

Nahh,

Your English does not bother me. As long as the person understands it.

Answer 7

Whatever it is. It does not matter with me. As long as I understand what it's all about. That's it.
Malaysia have more American influnce than fr British. Movies, songs. TV show. just to name a few.
So sc**w your friend

Answer 8

No comment but all I know the Brits are lots funnier than the American.

Answer 9

It doesn't really matter. As long you speak smtg right? rather than mumbling. X)
Most of us use American English rather than Brit's.
Your friend is probably jealous. :D

Answer 10

No, it doesn't really matter to me as long as I can understand it.
Anyway, I am all for British English....the original English...the Queen's English. That's all :~)
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Answer 11

Malaysian speak better English than Indons, Siamese, Indians, Chinese, Japans, Korean, Arabs and etc ...

so?