Date of Award

1-1-2001

Thesis Type

Masters

Document Type

Thesis

Divisions

Faculty of Languages and Linguistics

Department

-

Institution

Universiti Malaya

Abstract

Malaysian English as a new variety of English is constantly changing and evolving due to the influence of culture and ethnicity in Malaysia. Although fast developing and expanding into various domains such as home, office and recreation, it has not gained recognition in the international arena of Linguistics since it is still a relatively new field. Regardless of the researches that have been conducted on Malaysian English, this new variety of English has not exactly been viewed in a positive light. Foreigners and Malaysians alike have regarded Malaysian English as a substandard variety of English, often equating it with broken English, namely its uniqueness and usability have not been given due attention by the researchers. To ensure that Malaysian English will continue to grow and develop in terms of its speakers and users so that ultimately, a standardization of Malaysian English could be achieved, its positive aspects should be taken into consideration as well. This research investigated the stipulative terms used by Malaysian English speakers in informal spontaneous conversations. Stipulative terms are widely used by Malaysians and there are several factors that motivate the speakers to use stipulative terms. To identify the various simulative terms used, tape-recording of lecturers' informal, spontaneous conversations were conducted in a private academic institution of higher learning. To ensure the reliability and validity of the findings from the tape-recording, a questionnaire was also administered to the lecturers. The terms identified were then explained at length. The use of stipulative terms is a creative way for speakers to accurately and efficiently express themselves in informal situations. A long list of stipulative terms have been identified in this research and it will continue to grow with the ever-increasing and expansive use of Malaysian English by educated and uneducated speakers alike especially in the informal and familiar domains.

Initial

snms

Additional Information

Dissertation (M.A) -- Faculty of Languages and Linguistics, Universiti Malaya, 2001.

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