Definition:A question pertaining the feasibility of a situation or to ascertain the possibility of an occurence.
Malaysian Definition:
i) Are you sure?
ii) Can it be done?
iii) To punctuate sentences
iv) To make a rhetoric statement
v) Yes or no?
vi) Please
vii) May I?
Example:
a) Naga : Let's go karaoke this weekend. I've been practising and I think I can hit those high octaves on that Bon Jovi song we always sing.
Nivel : Huh. Can or not.
b) Queenie : Sweetheart, I thought of what you could get me for Christmas. A new grand piano! Can or not?
Kingston : Cannot.
Conclusion
Can or not is one of the more common phrases you will find being used in the average Malaysian's vernacular. Its uniqueness is that it can be a question, punctuation mark, rhetoric or replacement for outdated terms like please, could or may.
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4 comments:
just because i no longer comment does not mean i am no longer an avid reader of this blog. =P
do keep up the updates....
can or not?
it's been awhile since i was in malaysia and i certainly believe "can or not?" was common to my vocab then than now... i miss speaking malaysian english kekeke...
Kim,
Sure or not?
Nelly,
Hopefully this post helped you get reacquainted with Manglish somewhat.
B.H.
Yes or not?
:-P
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