Sixth, Notice must be taken of the common native habit (not one to be imitated by Europeans learning the language) of inserting in a sentence words which have no meaning to fill a temporary hiatus while the speaker is thinking of his next word. These prop-words or pillow-words, to borrow a Hindustani phrase,[2] are numerous in Malay and vary in different localities. Anu, bahasa-nia, misal[3]-nia, and kata-kan are some of those commonly used.
Seventh, The following abbreviations are commonly employed:—
Na’ for handak; sikit for sadikit; auat for apa-buat? why?; ta’ and t’ada for tiada; pi and pĕgi (in Patani gi) for pergi.
[1.] Also ribah and rubuh.
[2.] The Hindustani term is sukhan-takya, from sukhan, a word, and takya a pillow.
[3.] Corresponding with the Hindustani maslan, which is used in a similar way.
[LESSON XXXI.]
Phrases of Politeness.
Be pleased to ——. —Sila, sila-lah, or sila-kan-lah.