Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Kamus Dewan Edisi Keempat: There's a Mistake?

To use Malay words to describe emotion and feelings, one must follow these grammatical rules:

  1. The word + akan. For example: Suka akan, benci akan. Or,
  2. Prefix ‘me’ + the word + suffix ‘an/i’ (suffix is not a necessity in some words). For example: Menyukai (out of suka), Merindukan (from the word rindu).

However, I was taught that the word 'merindui' is wrong. The correct form is 'merindukan.' You can’t find the word 'merindui' in Kamus Dewan Edisi Ketiga but I was told that the word is included in Kamus Dewan Edisi Keempat, page 1332.

I still believe that the correct form is ‘merindukan.’

A Malay linguist told me that Kamus Dewan is not an ultimate guide for Malay grammar. The only guide you can rely upon is Tatabahasa Dewan.

1 comment:

  1. Salam. Well, I believe the right word is 'merindui'. It comes with the newest edition of Tatabahasa Dewan. 'Rindu akan' can also be used. If you want to speak Malay as in the standard Malay of Malaysia, just refer to any guide written by professors etc, like Tatabahasa Dewan, Nahu Kemas Kini, Kamus Dewan, Kamus Besar Melayu, etc. But if you want to speak Malay as in to answer the SPM examinations, just refer Tatabahasa Dewan. That's how it works. Tatabahasa Dewan and Kamus Dewan is most useful for students; however, a lot of linguists criticise it in some aspects.

    Wallahua'lam.

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