Bandar Seri Begawan - Literary writers should not be shy in using the Brunei Malay dialect in their writings as its correct application and usage could enhance their products, said Hajah Norati bte Bakar, the Head of Dictionary Unit, Malay Language Development and Proliferation Section, Language and Literature Bureau, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.
"If words are applied properly and used correctly, creative writers could achieve aesthetic products," she said, during a book promotion session in conjunction with the Brunei Book Fair 2008 at the International Convention Centre.
The second edition of Kamus Bahasa Melayu Brunei or Brunei Malay Dictionary is a national heritage that contains more than 15,000 entries which demonstrates the pride of the local Malays in the country.
She said the effort in publishing the second edition started in 2003 and was completed in 2007.
Since the first edition was published in 1991, the role of the Brunei Malay language has proliferated in relation with the rapid development seen in standard Malay language.
"Brunei Malay language has been the national lingua franca in this country and the words have been used many times in creative and non-creative writings, as well as official speeches.
"The right choice of words used usually showed the true messages delivered in speeches.
"The continued usage of the Brunei Malay language in writings and speeches must be encouraged and supported," she said.
Hjh Norati explained the arrangement of Brunei Malay language that could enhance the aesthetic quality of writing products.
She said DBP has published many dictionaries, including the highly acclaimed 3,082-page Nusantara Malay Language Dictionary, Children`s Dictionary, Tutong Malay Dictionary, Kedayan Malay Dictionary, and Word and General Expression Dictionary.
The Second Edition of Brunei Malay Language Dictionary was launched last January during a talk by Language Council of Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia or MABBIM.
Source: www.brudirect.com (1 Maret 2008)
