Back to English

My previous post on voluntary donation reminds me of another quite similar incident. Often I get mails to invite staff members to attend some kind of function. The catch is, the e-mails sometimes end with this phrase: “Attendance is compulsory.”

Look, first and foremost, it is an invitation, which means no one is obligated to attend if they don’t want to. Therefore, why the compulsion? If it is mandatory for every one to attend a function, just leave out the word “invite“.

Would you want to go to a wedding if the card reads:

“You’re cordially invited to attend a wedding reception…. Your attendance is compulsory.”

I was walking along the street on Wesak Day, and I found this message: “Donations are voluntary” written on a box (pic.), and that started me to think – are donations not meant to be “voluntary” i.e. given from the bottom of our hearts? 

I mean, since when has donation become compulsory? Perhaps we are confused with the word “tithe“. To Muslims, they have to pay tithes – a sum of money paid to help those in need. Even some Christian sects require their congregation to give a small sum of their annual income as tax to the church, and this amount will be used for charity or to fund certain religious events.

Therefore:

• tithe is compulsory, and is given on a regular basis
• donation is not compulsory, and any amount is acceptable

What if you see this: “Please donate a minimum amount of $5.” – I believe you haveÂ

Which verb comes before the word “report“? See the phrases below. Can you tell when each one is used?

• make a report
• write a report
• present a report
• give a report

You make a report when something happens and you want to inform others about that incident. For instance, in an accident, you’re required to make a report at the police station. The report can be either verbal or written – mostly verbal as the cops will do all the paper work.

You write a report to inform your fellow colleagues about some  incidents, events or the financial situation in the company you work. Reports are written at the request of the management. If your boss keeps quiet, so do you. In most cases, it is a monthly routine, so you have to do it.

After writing a report, you may be required by the management to present a report in the next meeting. When you present the report, you have to orally summarise what you have reported in writing. Written reports are normally sent to every one after the meeting, so your fellow colleagues do not know what you’ve written until the meeting.

“Give me your report!” – your boss commands. Presumably, you have already written it, and you’re required to personally hand it to him soon before your posterior gets  burnt.  So you give a report when you’re forced to do it – something like “write a report” but more urgent.

Sigh, so many reports to  make, write, give and present.

Someone has just sent me a message and wants to know if this sentence is correct: “I feed the cat with some milk.” One of her colleagues said the preposition “with” should be dropped. This friend of mine argued that having “with” in the sentence is acceptable.

Well, “with” could be used if it is followed by an eating utensil or food. That means, these examples are correct:

• Foreigners find it strange that some Chinese in Malaysia eat with their fingers. (√)
• The little boy fed the chick with a syringe. (√)
• I had rice with curry and some meat. (√)

It is therefore incorrect to say:

• They fed the boy with fried chicken. (X)
• My neighbour feeds his chickens with corn each morning. (X)
• Did you feed the baby with milk though you know he’s allergic to it? (X)

The general rules are as follows: 

• [someone] feeds [person/animal] [food]
• [someone] eats [food] with/and [food]
•  [someone] eats [food] with [an eating tool/fingers]

I believe there are some exceptions. Care to add?

It’s been a long time since I posted something in this blog. I’ve actually run out of ideas already Anyway, someone sent me something humourous recently.

We’ve heard of British vs. American English, but this post is about British vs. Malaysian English (Manglish). Have fun comparing:

British English vs. Malaysian English

(a) WHEN GIVING A CUSTOMER BAD NEWS

Britons:
I’m sorry, sir, but we don’t seem to have the sweater you want in your size, but if you give me a moment, I can call the other outlets for you.

Malaysians:
No stock.

(b) RETURNING A CALL

Britons:
Hello, this is John Smith. Did anyone call for me a few moments ago?

Malaysians:
Hello, who call ah, just now?

(c) ASKING SOMEONE TO MAKE WAY

Britons:
Excuse me, I would like to get by. Would you please make way?

Malaysians:
S-kews, s-kews!

(d) WHEN ASKING FOR PERMISSION

Britons:
Excuse me, but do you think it would be possible for me to enter through this door?

Malaysians:
[pointing at the door] Can enter, ah?

(e) WHEN ENTERTAINING

Britons:
Please make yourself right at home.

Malaysians:
No need shy shy one, lah!

(f) WHEN DOUBTING SOMEONE

Britons:
I don’t recall you giving me the money.

Malaysians:
Where got?

(g) WHEN DECLINING AN OFFER

Britons:
I would prefer not to do that, if you don’t mind.

Malaysians:
Don’t want lah.

(h) WHEN ASKING SOMEONE TO LOWER THEIR VOICE

Britons:
Excuse me, but could you please lower your voice? I’m trying to concentrate over here.

Malaysians:
Shut up, lah!

(i) WHEN ASSESSING A TIGHT SITUATION

Britons:
We seem to be in a bit of a predicament at the moment..

Malaysians:
Die lah!!

(j) WHEN SOMEONE DID SOMETHING WRONG

Britons:
This isn’t the way to do it. Here, let me show you.

Malaysians:
Like that also don’t know how to do!

The conclusion is, Manglish is simple, short, concise but not easy for foreigners to understand