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Malaysian Malay Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: Malaysian Malay: Official Status, Evolution, and Sociolinguistics

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Malaysian Malay: Official Status, Evolution, and Sociolinguistics Study Guide

Overview and Official Status of Malaysian Malay

Malaysian Malay is also known endonymically as Standard Malay or simply Malay, and is distinct from the Indonesian language.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source states that Malaysian Malay is known as Standard Malay or simply Malay, and is distinct from the Indonesian language.

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Malaysian Malay is an official language only in Malaysia, with its use in Singapore and Brunei being informal.

Answer: False

Explanation: The source indicates that Malaysian Malay holds official language status in Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei, not just Malaysia.

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The standardization of Malaysian Malay is based on the Kedah dialect of Malay.

Answer: False

Explanation: The standardization of Malaysian Malay is based on the Johor–Riau dialect, not the Kedah dialect.

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As of 2022, the majority of people in Malaysia learn Malaysian Malay as their first language.

Answer: False

Explanation: As of 2022, few native speakers of Malaysian Malay exist; the vast majority learn it as a second language after a local dialect or another native language.

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Malaysian Malay belongs to the Malayo-Polynesian branch of the Austronesian language family.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source confirms that Malaysian Malay is classified under the Malayo-Polynesian branch of the Austronesian language family.

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The national standard variety of Malay in Brunei significantly deviates from the Malaysian standard in grammar and vocabulary.

Answer: False

Explanation: The national standard variety of Malay in Brunei largely follows the Malaysian standard, with only minor variations in pronunciation and some lexical influence from the local vernacular, not significant deviations in grammar and vocabulary.

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The 'Malay language Spoken Area Map' shows Malaysia in green and Singapore and Brunei in a lighter green, indicating where Standard Malay is an official language.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source describes the 'Malay language Spoken Area Map' as illustrating Malaysia in green and Singapore and Brunei in a lighter green, signifying areas where Standard Malay holds official language status.

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The term 'bahasa Melayu' is continuously used in Singapore's educational literature and is considered identical to Malaysian Malay.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source confirms that 'bahasa Melayu' is consistently used in Singapore's educational literature and is regarded as identical to Malaysian Malay.

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The primary differences between Brunei's national standard Malay and the Malaysian standard are significant grammatical divergences.

Answer: False

Explanation: The national standard Malay in Brunei largely follows the Malaysian standard, with primary differences being minor variations in pronunciation and some lexical influence, not significant grammatical divergences.

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In which three countries does Malaysian Malay hold official language status?

Answer: Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei

Explanation: The source explicitly states that Malaysian Malay holds official language status in Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei.

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Which of the following is NOT an alternative name for Malaysian Malay mentioned in the source?

Answer: Bahasa Indonesia

Explanation: The source identifies Standard Malay, Bahasa Melayu, Bahasa Melayu Malaysia, and Bahasa Malaysia as alternative names for Malaysian Malay, while explicitly stating it is distinct from the Indonesian language (Bahasa Indonesia).

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From which specific dialect is Malaysian Malay standardized?

Answer: Johor–Riau dialect

Explanation: Malaysian Malay is standardized from the Johor–Riau dialect of Malay, specifically a branch spoken in the state of Johor.

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As of 2022, how is Malaysian Malay primarily learned by the vast majority of people in Malaysia?

Answer: As a second language (L2) after a local dialect or other native language.

Explanation: As of 2022, the vast majority of people in Malaysia learn Malaysian Malay as a second language (L2) after first learning a local Malay dialect or another native language.

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Which linguistic classification accurately describes Malaysian Malay?

Answer: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian branch

Explanation: Malaysian Malay belongs to the Austronesian language family, specifically within the Malayo-Polynesian branch.

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Historical Development and Linguistic Influences

Pre-Modern Malay is also known as British Malayan Malay and is a historical form that contributed to modern Malaysian Malay.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source identifies Pre-Modern Malay as British Malayan Malay, a historical form that contributed to the development of modern Malaysian Malay.

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Literary Malay across the region historically borrowed words primarily from European languages like English and Dutch.

Answer: False

Explanation: Literary Malay historically borrowed words primarily from Asian languages such as Sanskrit, Tamil, Hindustani, Arabic, Persian, and Sinitic languages, in addition to European languages like Portuguese and English.

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After Malayan independence, the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka adopted a purist approach in lexicography, favoring Western loanwords.

Answer: False

Explanation: After Malayan independence, the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka adopted a purist approach, moving away from Western loanwords and favoring native or established roots like Sanskrit and Arabic.

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The Indonesian language has lexically influenced Malaysian Malay in recent years due to the popularity of neighboring mass media.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source indicates that Indonesian has lexically influenced Malaysian Malay in recent years, primarily due to the popularity of neighboring mass media such as dramas and music.

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Sanskrit's influence on Malay primarily occurred after the 15th century with the arrival of European traders.

Answer: False

Explanation: Sanskrit significantly influenced Malay from the 1st to the 14th century, long before the 15th century and the arrival of European traders, primarily through trade and the spread of Hindu-Buddhist religions.

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Arabic influence on Malay began with the arrival of Islam in the region during the 7th century, primarily affecting religious and philosophical terminology.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source states that Arabic influence on Malay began in the 7th century with the arrival of Islam, primarily impacting religious and philosophical vocabulary.

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Tamil words like 'kedai' and 'mangga' were borrowed into Malay primarily through religious texts.

Answer: False

Explanation: Tamil words like 'kedai' and 'mangga' were borrowed into Malay primarily through maritime trade, not religious texts.

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Portuguese words like 'gereja' and 'jendela' entered the Malay language during the Dutch colonial period.

Answer: False

Explanation: Portuguese words like 'gereja' and 'jendela' entered the Malay language during the Portuguese occupation of Malacca in the early 16th century, prior to the Dutch colonial period.

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The English language introduced many technical and modern words into Malay, such as 'telefon' and 'komputer', during British colonial rule.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source confirms that the English language introduced numerous technical and modern words into Malay during British colonial rule, including examples like 'telefon' and 'komputer'.

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The Malay variety spoken in British colonies, which later formed Malaysia, borrowed significantly from Dutch for scientific and technological terms.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Malay variety in British colonies (later Malaysia) borrowed significantly from English for scientific and technological terms, contrasting with Dutch influence in the Dutch East Indies.

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Which of the following represents the correct historical progression of Malay forms leading to modern Malaysian Malay?

Answer: Old Malay → Classical Malay → Pre-Modern Malay

Explanation: The historical forms that contributed to Malaysian Malay include Old Malay, which evolved into Classical Malay, and subsequently Pre-Modern Malay.

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What approach did the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka adopt in lexicography after Malayan independence?

Answer: A purist approach, moving away from Western loanwords and favoring native/established roots.

Explanation: After Malayan independence, the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka adopted a purist approach in lexicography, moving away from Western loanwords and favoring native Malay or established roots like Sanskrit and Arabic.

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What is the primary reason for the recent lexical influence of Indonesian on Malaysian Malay?

Answer: Popularity of neighboring mass media like dramas and music.

Explanation: The recent lexical influence of Indonesian on Malaysian Malay is primarily attributed to the popularity of neighboring mass media, such as dramas, soap operas, and music.

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Which ancient language significantly influenced Malay from the 1st to the 14th century due to trade and the spread of Hindu-Buddhist religions?

Answer: Sanskrit

Explanation: Sanskrit significantly influenced the Malay language from the 1st to the 14th century through trade and the spread of Hindu-Buddhist religions.

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When did Arabic influence on the Malay language begin, and what was its primary impact?

Answer: 7th century, particularly in religious and philosophical terminology.

Explanation: Arabic influence on the Malay language began with the arrival of Islam in the region during the 7th century, primarily affecting religious and philosophical terminology.

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Through what primary means did the Tamil language influence Malay, leading to words like 'kedai' and 'mangga'?

Answer: Maritime trade

Explanation: The Tamil language influenced Malay primarily through maritime trade between India and the Malay Archipelago.

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During which historical event were Portuguese words introduced into the Malay language?

Answer: The Portuguese occupation of Malacca in the early 16th century.

Explanation: Portuguese words were introduced into the Malay language during the Portuguese occupation of Malacca in the early 16th century.

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Which of these words is an example of a Dutch loanword in Malay, according to the source?

Answer: kontrak

Explanation: The source lists 'kontrak' as an example of a Dutch loanword in Malay.

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What kind of words did the English language primarily introduce into Malay during British colonial rule?

Answer: Technical and modern words.

Explanation: The English language primarily introduced many technical and modern words into Malay during British colonial rule.

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Scripts and Regulatory Bodies

The Jawi script is legally prescribed as the official script for Malaysian Malay.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Rumi (Latin) script is legally prescribed as the official script for Malaysian Malay, while the Jawi script is not, though efforts are made to preserve its use.

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The Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka regulates the Malay language in Singapore.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Malay language in Singapore is regulated by the Majlis Bahasa Melayu Singapura, not the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka, which regulates it in Malaysia.

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Rumi is the most commonly used script in Malaysia for both official and informal communication.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source confirms that the Latin alphabet, Rumi, is the most commonly used script in Malaysia for both official and informal communication.

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The image comparing Malay language, Jawi writing, and Khat Calligraphy illustrates only the Jawi script's use in public signage.

Answer: False

Explanation: The image illustrates a comparison of Malay in Rumi and Jawi scripts, alongside Khat Calligraphy and other languages, not solely Jawi's use in public signage.

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What are the two primary writing systems used for Malaysian Malay?

Answer: Rumi and Jawi

Explanation: Malaysian Malay primarily uses the Latin script (Rumi) and the Arabic script (Jawi).

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Which organization is responsible for regulating the Malay language in Malaysia?

Answer: Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka

Explanation: The Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (Malaysian Institute of Language and Literature) is responsible for regulating the Malay language in Malaysia.

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Which script is legally prescribed as the official script of Malaysian Malay?

Answer: Rumi

Explanation: The Latin alphabet, known as Rumi, is legally prescribed by law as the official script of Malaysian Malay.

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What is the status of the Arabic alphabet (Jawi) in Malaysian Malay?

Answer: It is not legally prescribed as the official script, but efforts are made to preserve and revive its use.

Explanation: The Arabic alphabet (Jawi) is not legally prescribed as the official script for Malaysian Malay, but efforts are being made to preserve and revive its use.

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Which writing system is most commonly used in Malaysia for both official and informal purposes?

Answer: Rumi

Explanation: The Latin alphabet, Rumi, is the most commonly used script in Malaysia for both official and informal communication.

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What is the purpose of the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) in Malaysia?

Answer: To regulate the Malay language and promote a purist approach.

Explanation: The Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka is responsible for regulating the Malay language in Malaysia, including its lexicography and promoting a purist approach to its development.

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Nomenclature and Political Context

Article 152 of Malaysia's Constitution explicitly defines 'Malay' as the national language with specific linguistic parameters.

Answer: False

Explanation: Article 152 of Malaysia's Constitution designates 'Malay' (Bahasa Melayu) as the national language but does not provide specific linguistic definitions.

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The term 'bahasa Malaysia' was endorsed by Tunku Abdul Rahman and literally translates to 'Malaysian language'.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source confirms that 'bahasa Malaysia' translates to 'Malaysian language' and was endorsed by Tunku Abdul Rahman.

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The political contention over the national language's name in Malaysia stemmed from disagreements over its grammatical structure.

Answer: False

Explanation: The political contention over the national language's name ('bahasa Melayu' vs 'bahasa Malaysia') arose from differing views on whether it should emphasize ethnic Malay roots or multi-ethnic representation, not grammatical structure.

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The term 'bahasa Malaysia' was reinstated as the government's preferred designation in 2007 to acknowledge Malaysia's diverse ethnic groups.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source states that 'bahasa Malaysia' was reinstated as the government's preferred designation in 2007 to acknowledge Malaysia's diverse ethnic groups.

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In 1999, the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka encouraged the use of 'bahasa Malaysia' in publications to promote national unity.

Answer: False

Explanation: In 1999, the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka rejected publications that used 'bahasa Malaysia', indicating a preference for 'bahasa Melayu' at that time, rather than encouraging 'bahasa Malaysia'.

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As of 2023, the Ministry of Education in Malaysia prefers 'bahasa Melayu' in its syllabi, despite using 'bahasa Malaysia' in official communications from 2011 to 2015.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source confirms that as of 2023, the Ministry of Education prefers 'bahasa Melayu' in its syllabi, a change from its use of 'bahasa Malaysia' in official communications between 2011 and 2015.

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Singapore's constitution grants the Malay language written in the Jawi script the status of a national language.

Answer: False

Explanation: Singapore's constitution grants national language status to the Malay language when written in the Roman script, not the Jawi script.

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What does Article 152 of Malaysia's Constitution state regarding the national language?

Answer: It designates 'Malay' (Bahasa Melayu) as the national language without providing specific definitions.

Explanation: Article 152 of Malaysia's Constitution designates 'Malay' (Bahasa Melayu) as the national language but does not provide further specific definitions.

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When was the term 'bahasa Malaysia' reinstated as the government's preferred designation to acknowledge Malaysia's diverse ethnic groups?

Answer: 2007

Explanation: The term 'bahasa Malaysia' was reinstated as the government's preferred designation in 2007 to acknowledge Malaysia's diverse ethnic groups.

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Why did the term for the national language in Malaysia become politically contentious?

Answer: Differing views on whether the language should emphasize ethnic Malay roots or multi-ethnic representation.

Explanation: The political contention over the national language's name stemmed from differing views on whether it should emphasize its ethnic Malay roots or represent the multi-ethnic composition of Malaysia.

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What was the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka's stance in 1999 regarding the use of 'bahasa Malaysia' in publications?

Answer: They rejected publications that used it instead of 'bahasa Melayu'.

Explanation: In 1999, the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka rejected publications that used the term 'bahasa Malaysia' in their preface, indicating a preference for 'bahasa Melayu'.

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How is the Malay language recognized in Singapore's constitution?

Answer: It is granted national language status when written in the Roman script.

Explanation: Singapore's constitution grants the Malay language national language status when written in the Roman script.

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Contemporary Usage and Sociolinguistics

'Awek' and 'Balak' are examples of traditional Malay vocabulary commonly used by older generations.

Answer: False

Explanation: The terms 'Awek' and 'Balak' are examples of modern Malaysian colloquial vocabulary that may be unfamiliar to older generations, replacing traditional terms.

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In contemporary colloquial Malay, plural pronouns are formed by combining original pronouns with the word 'orang', such as 'Korang' for 'you all'.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source explains that in contemporary colloquial Malay, new plural pronouns like 'Korang' are formed by combining original pronouns with the word 'orang'.

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Local conservative Muslims generally agree with the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka's suggested Arabic terms and pronunciations.

Answer: False

Explanation: Local conservative Muslims sometimes dispute the Arabic terms and pronunciations suggested by the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka, claiming different forms are the 'real correct terms' as stated in the Qur'an.

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Bahasa Rojak is a linguistic phenomenon characterized by the exclusive use of standard Malaysian Malay without any code-switching.

Answer: False

Explanation: Bahasa Rojak is characterized by widespread code-switching between English and Malaysian, along with novel loanwords, which is the opposite of exclusive use of standard Malaysian Malay.

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The Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka is responsible for promoting Bahasa Rojak to reflect modern linguistic trends in Malaysia.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka is responsible for regulating the Malay language and promoting a purist approach, and Bahasa Rojak causes displeasure among linguistic purists, indicating DBP does not promote it.

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Which of the following is an example of modern Malaysian colloquial vocabulary that might be unfamiliar to older generations, meaning 'girl'?

Answer: Awek

Explanation: The term 'Awek' is cited as an example of modern Malaysian colloquial vocabulary meaning 'girl' that might be unfamiliar to older generations.

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How are new plural pronouns like 'Korang' (you all) formed in contemporary colloquial Malay usage?

Answer: By combining original pronouns with the word 'orang' (person).

Explanation: In contemporary colloquial Malay, new plural pronouns are formed by combining original pronouns with the word 'orang' (person).

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What is the core of the controversy surrounding certain Arabic terms in contemporary Malay usage among local conservative Muslims?

Answer: Disputes over the 'real correct terms' and pronunciations as stated in the Qur'an, differing from DBP suggestions.

Explanation: The controversy stems from local conservative Muslims disputing the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka's suggested Arabic terms and pronunciations, claiming different forms are the 'real correct terms' as stated in the Qur'an.

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What is 'Bahasa Rojak' primarily characterized by?

Answer: Widespread code-switching between English and Malaysian, and novel loanwords.

Explanation: Bahasa Rojak is characterized by widespread code-switching between English and Malaysian, along with the use of novel loanwords.

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