Language
Cocos Malays have their own language variety, which is being called Basa Pulu Kokos. It is considered rough and unsophisticated because of the use of slang in it and the constant change in word meanings. The language is a mix of 'Indonesian and Malaysian with local pronunciation and elements of English and Scottish being mixed in.
Phrases/ Vocab:
Selamat pagi - Good morning
Selamat ténggah hari - " " Good Afternoon
Selamat soré - " " Evening
Selamat malam - " " Good Night
Apa Kabar? - How are you?
Kerangkeng - Food closet.
Ke kaca - Cute
Kenes - Cute
Baik - Good
Jumpa lagi - See you later (See you again)
Korsi - Chair (normally in Malay, Kursi or Kerusi)
Dostor - Doctor (normally in Malay, Doktor)
Esbok - Fridge
Bok - Box (normally in Malay, Kotak)
Epel - Apple (normally in Malay, epal)
Jukong - Cocos Malay boat (Junk ship came from this)
Gua/Loh - Me/you (this is Hokkien derived Indonesian slang, but considered normal in Cocos Malay)
Cimni - Chimney
Kot - Coat
Hiju/Hijo - Green (usually in Malay, hijau)
Kalo - if (normally in Malay, kalau)
Emak/Mak - Mother (used to address females with children)
Pak/Ayah - Father (First term used to address males with children. Second term is father)
Paman/Man - Uncle (used to address males without children)
Bibik - Aunty (that is younger than the parent)
Nek/Nenek - grandma ( used to address grandparents of any sex)
Wak - respectful term to address woman with teenage children
Allah Mak Gua! - Oh my god!
Mak Yusri- Mother of Yusri If Yusri is a teenager, then Mak Yusri becomes Wak Yusri, When Yusri who is now Man Yusri, has a child called Mustafa, Wak Yusri becomes Nek Mustafa and Man Yusri becomes Pak Mustafa and if Mustafa who is Man mustafa if he is teenager, has a child called budi, then Pak Mustafa becomes Nek Budi.
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“Denotation by means of sounds and markings is a remarkable abstraction. Three letters designate God for me; several lines a million things. How easy becomes the manipulation of the universe here, how evident the concentration of the intellectual world! Language is the dynamics of the spiritual realm. One word of command moves armies; the word liberty entire nations.”
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