2017: Book Launch on Saturday, 30 September 2017
Prolific writer, Hidayah Amin once again, inspires her loyal fans and readers with her latest publication. “Bahasa: A Guide To Malay Languages”. As a proud fan and supporter of Hidayah Amin’s published works, The Keris Collector, didn’t miss out on the opportunity to be one of the first few to grab hold of a copy hot off the printing press so to speak.
It was a choice well made to head on down to the Lee Chong Kian Reference Library located near Bugis Junction, for the launch which was being held at the Pod, on the 16th floor of this grand library.
Looking at the past publications which were also on sale, I was silently proud that as of that day, I owned each and every title ever published by Hidayah Amin. The genre of books published by Hidayah Amin’s flagship publishing house, Helang Books, is definitely worthy of applause and standing ovation. Her books fills the gaps in areas where academics are not writing such materials for the general public. Tongue in cheek titles, inspired from somewhat thought provoking headlines and experience makes the titles much easier to remember. Truly an honor to dedicate an entire shelf of my private library specifically for publications from Helang Books.
Opening Speech And Moderated Panel Forum
The official launch itself was praise worthy. Opening speeches by acclaimed author, Hidayah Amin, followed by distinguished guest, Prof Emeritus Abdullah Hassan, who had high praises for this latest publication and also shared some of his thoughts and additional insight to Malay languages. The various plethora and diaspora of the Malay Languages itself leaves any unenlightened audience, with a deeper sense of appreciation of Malay Languages. An intangible lingual identity, at risk of extinction once it is no longer practiced by the generations of today and the future.
An interesting focus of the launch was the moderated group forum by fellow subject matter or rather lingual expert contributors whom provided reference and source material to the author. All of whom were dressed in their chosen traditional attire which best represents the respective ethnic Malay branch they came from, eg. Bugis, Javanese, Boyan, Minang, Banjar, etc.
This forum added a unique touch of color and vibrancy to this multi-lingual ensemble of distinguished panelists. All of whom shared various insights to specific areas of their language proficiency. Banjar, Bawean, Buginese, Javanese, Malay, Minangkabau, Slitar and Tagalog are not dialects as per commonly misunderstood, they are languages on their own from various communal groups as mentioned which eventually made up the maritime Malay populace from Nusantara (Malay Archipelago).
Entertainment, Reception & Refreshments
Closing performance number by Nuradee brothers added a nice flair to conclude the launch followed by a sumptuous buffet of traditional Malay kuehs, sweets and delicacies with coffee and tea complimenting one’s appetite.
About the Book
‘Bahasa: A Guide to Malay Languages’ explains common Malay words and their equivalent meanings in eight Nusantara languages of the
Malay Archipelago: Banjar, Bawean, Buginese, Javanese, Malay, Minangkabau, Slitar and Tagalog. Personal anecdotes by the author and charming illustrations frame a brief history of the Malay peoples, offering a unique lesson in the anthropology and experience of these eight ethnic groups. As the presence of these languages in everyday conversations gradually diminishes, it is hoped that this book may revive interest in these languages and preserve knowledge for the benefit of generations to come.
This guide is accessible to and may be enjoyed by readers of all ethnicities. Immerse yourself in the kaleidoscopic diversity of these Malay languages. May this book serve as a delightful introduction to the scintillating spirit of the different Malay ethnic groups, embodied in their mother tongues. What new words will you learn today?
Publisher: Helang Books