Peranakan Chinese language to be included in DBP dictionary

MELAKA: The inclusion of the Peranakan Chinese language glossary into the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka's (DBP) dictionary is a step forward to recognise the contribution of the community towards the advancement of Bahasa Melayu, says Datuk Ronald Gan.

The chairman of the Malaysia Baba and Nyonya Association said the dictionary is expected to be launched by next year and hopes to pique the younger generation's interest in the heritage language.

"The glossary developed jointly by my association and DBP is a significant step in preserving the Peranakan Chinese language, which has made an invaluable contribution to the evolution of Bahasa Melayu since the Melaka Sultanate era," he said after Bernama Chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai closed the Peranakan Chinese Festival 2024 at a leading shopping complex here on Sunday (Aug 4).

Gan said his team has worked with the DBP officials for the past two years to develop the glossary, which aims to preserve the unique linguistic heritage.

"The community is proud that it has played an important part in shaping Bahasa Melayu, where we have over 1,000 words and a rich vocabulary, some of which have been adapted into the national language," he said.

Gan said the Peranakan Chinese language is a hybrid and the culmination of Hokkien, Cantonese, Teo Chew, Malay, and Jawa dialects, and the association has made efforts to revitalise it.

Meanwhile, Gan also hopes the stakeholders in Putrajaya expedite their request for the community to be recognised as a sub-ethnic group by the National Registration Department(NRD).

"I want to also express my gratitude to the National Unity Ministry for championing our cause," he added.

On Saturday (Aug 3), Deputy National Unity Minister K.Saraswathy said the federal government is considering the request by the Peranakan Chinese community.

She said the Baba Nyonya Association of Malaysia's proposal to recognise the community with its own identity has been handed over to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for his consideration. Her ministry is waiting for the Cabinet's decision on the matter before the change is made by the NRD.