Kau Faham
Bahasa Tak? (Linguistic Context)
Navigate to other parts of this project:
Stage Two: Interpretation
Cultural Context: Pengekalan Budaya
- This section of the project is a publication containing a compilation of words in alphabetical order in the Jawi script, consisting of the Singaporean Malay lexicon and phrases commonly used at home and in social settings. For those who are fluent in a written language, it often serves as a significant marker of cultural belonging, symbolizing shared identity within a community. The theory of linguistic relativity, also referred to as the Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis after linguists Edward Sapir and Benjamin Lee Whorf, suggests that language not only reflects the world but is also shaped by individual experiences and perceptions of reality2. By applying these linguistic theories to the contemporary use of Jawi script in the globalized Malay world, this book explores not only how colloquial Malay can still be expressed through Jawi but also enables readers to appreciate the unique letterforms of Jawi.
- These colloquial expressions are reflective of my cultural belonging, and even semantics and meaning gets lost if one was not brought up with this language. Words and phrases presented here are influenced by my personal encounters growing up in a Malay environment and interacting with Malay friends and family. They capture conversations typical of the Singaporean Malay context, touching upon familiar social cues and topics commonly discussed.
- Activity
- Sheets (Lingustic Context)
- After extensive learning, understanding, and internalizing the Jawi script, these deliverables are designed to facilitate audience learning. The printed activities serve as interactive elements that support the entire project, where participants are invited to pick a sticker and place it in the specified spot within a sentence. This approach helps users recognize the shapes of the letters, rather than teaching them how to write in Jawi directly, which can be a daunting experience. These elements are intended to be enjoyable and light-hearted, allowing participants to engage with the letterforms in a hands-on manner rather than merely observing them from a distance. The use of stickers and acrylic pieces are specifically chosen to make the experience less daunting and more inviting, enabling participants to interact with the content in a relaxed and meaningful way.