Software and Hardware

For about ten years or so, all subjects in Malaysian schools (other than English, of course) were conducted in the Malay language. But for the last few years, the medium of instruction for Math and Science subjects was changed to English. Some people up there finally realised that Math and Science are better taught in English. About time too as they realised that the standard of English has deteriorated for one generation of students.

The official reason cited for the use of English for Math and Science is because the whole world uses English as the information and technology language. Besides there are no suitable translations for certain terms and translating English terms into the local language may be misconstrued and with dire consequences too. Below is an example of literal translation. I apologise for non-Malay readers but you get the message, I'm sure.

Hardware = barangkeras
Software = baranglembut
Joystick = batang gembira
Plug and Play = cucuk dan main
Port = lubang
Server = pelayan
Client = pelanggan

Try to translate this:

ENGLISH:
That server gives a plug and play service to the client using either hardware or software joystick. The joystick goes into the port of the client.

Now in BAHASA:
Pelayan itu memberi pelanggannya layanan cucuk dan main dengan menggunakan batang gembira jenis keras atau lembut. Batang gembira itu dimasukkan kedalam lubang pelanggan.

Now you know WHY...