The DBP should not be an enforcement agency

I disagree with the idea that the government-run language and literature institute Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) should be given the power to act against advertisements in public places that do not use proper Malay. The Deputy Education Minister Dr Puad Zarkashi said currently the power to take action against such outdoor advertisements lie with local authorities.

That division of roles should remain so that the DBP can concentrate on its objectives to promote the language and its use. DBP must maintain its advisory role and not be the judge, jury and prosecutor in one swoop. Education will always be the best way to promote the language and DBP's research department must continue to develop the language in all sectors. The onus is on the DBP to be more aggressive in promoting the correct usage of the language in all spheres of life.

The most common misuse of the language is the regular habit of literal translation of terms from a foreign language. This contributes to miscommunication as the intended message is not conveyed properly to its target audience. The DBP is always there to help or advise but most of us take the language for granted, giving rise to a hybrid version of the language.

The cyberworld has exacerbated this trend when a mixture of Malay and other languages are strung together in a sentence. All thoughts and desires tend to use a short form as time is of the essence in today's world. How often do we use grammatically correct sentences when using facebook or twitter?

In the name of saving space, we sacrifice the beauty of the language. DBP might be able to take a proactive action by encouraging the usage of for example, the pantun as that form of the language can be succinct and to the point. Pantuns are open to so many possibilities and those who are adept will be able convey a myriad of emotions in just a few words. Saves a lot of space and time.

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