IN THE BUSTLING Air Itam market area, the air thrums with a symphony of voices. A hawker calls out in Hokkien, laced with Malay and English words, enticing you to try his Rojak. An Indian auntie barters for spices in Malay, seasoned with a hint of Hokkien intonation. A group of teenagers weaves through the crowd, their conversation peppered with the ever-inventive Manglish. This is the music of Penang, a beautiful cacophony that speaks volumes about the state’s history and its people.

Penang’s dialects and languages, shaped by centuries of immigration, trade and multicultural coexistence, are an essential part of its identity. As globalisation and modernisation influence daily life, these languages face existential challenges, raising questions about preservation, identity and adaptability in a rapidly changing world.

Penang Hokkien: A Lingua France In Transition

Penang Hokkien emerged with the arrival of Hokkien-speaking Chinese immigrants in the 18th and 19th centuries. Over time, it evolved into a distinct dialect, absorbing Malay, Tamil and English phrases. Historically, Penang Hokkien was the island’s lingua franca, used in markets, neighbourhoods and even classrooms. “I remember growing up in the 1960s when Penang Hokkien was spoken everywhere—in wet markets, on the streets, even in classrooms when teachers weren’t watching,” recalls Madam Chan, a retired teacher from Air Itam. “Now, my grandchildren can barely hold a conversation in Hokkien, and that breaks my heart.”

This generational gap highlights the gradual shift as English, Malay and Mandarin become dominant in schools and workplaces. Today, Penang Hokkien is often confined to informal settings, primarily within family circles. However, efforts to preserve the dialect are gaining traction. John Ong’s Penang Hokkien Podcast, for instance, provides a digital platform for speakers and learners to connect, ensuring the dialect’s nuances are recorded for posterity. Similarly, community classes targeting younger generations have sparked a renewed interest in Penang Hokkien, offering hope for its survival. Timothy Tye’s online Penang Hokkien Dictionary is another valuable resource, providing definitions, pronunciations and usage examples.

Baba Malay: The Declining Tongue Of The Peranakans

Another linguistic gem in Penang’s heritage is Baba and Nyonya Malay, which reflects the Peranakans’ historical role as cultural intermediaries between the Chinese and Malay communities.

In its heyday, Baba Malay flourished in Peranakan households, where seamless switching between Hokkien and Malay took place. Phrases like “Lu eh kia cho hamik? Ini macam tak boleh jalan la,” (What is your child doing? This way won’t work) embodies the creative fusion of languages.

Sadly, Baba Malay is now on the brink of extinction due to the fading of Peranakan traditions. While Peranakan cuisine and fashion have experienced a revival, the language has not enjoyed similar attention. Cultural advocates have called for urgent documentation and teaching initiatives to save this tongue from becoming a relic.

Malay and Tamil: Shared Innovations In Everyday Speech

Penang Malay, distinct from standard Malay, features unique colloquialisms influenced by Hokkien and English. For example, “Hangpa pi makan durian tak jio aku!” (You all went to eat durian without inviting me!) exemplifies Penang’s playful linguistic innovations. Words like “hangpa” (all of you) and “depa” (they) are regional markers specific to Penang and northern Malaysia. Those from the central and southern regions of Peninsular Malaysia are less likely to use or understand these readily.

Similarly, Tamil has contributed vocabulary to Penang’s shared vernacular. Words like “anneh” (elder brother; also functions as the English slang “bro”) and “aiyo” (an exclamation of frustration) have transcended ethnic boundaries, reflecting Penang’s harmonious multicultural interactions. However, the use of Tamil as a first language is declining among younger generations. To counter this trend, Tamil schools and cultural associations in Penang continue to promote Tamil literature, music and drama.

Mandarin's Increasing Prevalence Among Chinese Speakers

Historically, Hokkien was the primary language of commerce and education. Today, however, Mandarin has taken its place due to changes in education policies and parental preferences.

A neighbour recently asked my 10-year-old niece, “Eh, you know or not, ‘kam sia’ means ‘thank you’ in Hokkien?” She shyly replied, “But I always say ‘thank you’ or ‘xie xie’.” Many Hokkiens today find themselves fluent in Mandarin, but struggle to converse in their dialect. This linguistic proficiency in Mandarin is propelling as it is often seen as a path to success. While this shift reflects global priorities, it also poses a challenge for the preservation of Penang Hokkien.

The Frequent Use Of Manglish

English has been a cornerstone of Penang’s linguistic identity since its days as a British colony. However, the English spoken in Penang is far from standard. Manglish (Malaysian English), a delightful mix of English with local vernaculars, encapsulates Penang’s multicultural spirit. Expressions like “Can ah?” (Is it possible?) and “Paiseh nia!” (I’m so embarrassed!) blends English with the rhythm and quirks of local dialects.

A humorous example of Manglish’s prominence is the 2017 pedestrian crossing sticker in George Town that read, “Press once can already.” While the sticker was eventually removed for “vandalism”, it showcased how deeply Manglish is woven into Penang’s identity.

Challenges and Opportunities

The evolution of Penang’s linguistic landscape raises critical questions: Can the state strike a balance between globalisation and preserving its linguistic heritage? Efforts are already underway, leveraging both traditional and modern approaches to ensure these languages endure.

Community initiatives like Penang Hokkien classes and cultural workshops are fostering a renewed appreciation for local dialects. Meanwhile, social media platforms have emerged as unexpected allies in language preservation. Younger Penangites now use Penang Hokkien, Malay and Tamil in memes, videos and posts, making these languages relevant in the digital age.

These linguistic blends are vibrant expressions of the state’s history, identity and cultural diversity. By celebrating and encouraging its use, Penangites can ensure their unique linguistic identity endures. Whether through podcasts, community classes or simple conversations, the voices of Penang’s past, present and future remain intertwined—alive and thriving.

References

[1] https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/07/07/learn-to-speak-hokkien-like-a-true-penangite https://penanghokkien.com

[2] https://www.thestar.com.my/opinion/columnists/on-the-beat/2024/05/26/ language-on-the-wane

[3] https://www.researchgate.net/publication/355927336LANGUAGEUSEAMONGMALAYSIANTAMILYOUTHAvailableat_httpukivdultsmindexphpsmarticleview350

[4] https://catscityhornbillland.blogspot.com/2013/02/malaysia-english-manglish.html

[5] https://www.penangmonthly.com/the-complex-task-of-being-chinese-peranakan-1/

[6] ‘Press once can already’ sticker at Penang pedestrian crossing stirs ‘Manglish’ debate, police say act of vandalism | The Straits Times