DBP's Efforts to Strengthen Malay Language Amidst Digital Pace

The Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP), Malaysia's language authority, marked its 70th anniversary with a focus on the growing challenges of preserving and promoting the Malay language amidst rapid digital transformation. Established to uphold the Malay language as the national, official, and academic tongue, DBP faces a complex landscape where socio-economic changes and technological advancements increasingly impact language use.

Director-General Datuk Dr. Hazami Jahari acknowledged that the digital era has significantly altered how Malay is used. He pointed to the prevalence of "bahasa rojak" (language mixing) and the trend towards brevity and informality on platforms like WhatsApp, TikTok, and X. This shift, characterized by abbreviations like "sy" and "awk" and the use of emojis, facilitates faster communication but can undermine mastery of correct spelling and grammar.

Despite these challenges, DBP sees potential in digital technology to foster language development and the creation of new terms. However, the pace of digital communication often outstrips the formal process of language codification, including the introduction of new terms and the standardization of spelling for loanwords. DBP's core mission remains to ensure the correct, standard, and high-quality use of Malay across all platforms, a goal that hinges on public engagement and support.

The organization, founded 70 years ago based on the resolutions of the Malay Language and Literature Congress III, strives to maintain Malay as a language of knowledge and identity. Its functions encompass planning, developing, and publishing academic and literary materials, while also championing the correct usage of Malay both domestically and internationally. Without societal backing, DBP believes the Malay language will struggle to keep pace with the evolving times.