TODAY THE WORDS are LEARNING FROM THE MALAYS. One of the most amazing parts of writing the blog is the countries who read it on a regular basis. I have found Malaysia to be one of the main sources of foreign readership so I decided to learn more about the country.
With over a Population: 24,821,286 (July 2007 est.), the country has an Ethnic Make-up: Malay 50.4%, Chinese 23.7%, indigenous 11%, Indian 7.1%, others 7.8%, Location: Southeastern Asia. Shares borders with Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore and Brunei. When I read the following, I was interested in the importance Malays put on the family and “face”. I was impressed with how families stick together through difficult times and how they help each other. Please read their concept of face and how it is seen as a commodity. We can learn from their concept as it might help us to be better as fellow Americans by saving “face”. A special thanks to the readers in Malaysia and I am encouraged by their readership. The reference for my research for Malaysia is: Malaysia – Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette; Kwintessential UK.
Group OrientationThe family is considered the centre of the social structure. As a result there is a great emphasis on unity, loyalty and respect for the elderly. The family is the place where the individual can be guaranteed both emotional and financial support. When one member of the family suffers a financial setback, the rest of the family will contribute what they can to help out. Families tend to be extended, although in the larger cities this will naturally differ.
The Concept of Face
Malays, Chinese and Indians all strive to maintain face and avoid shame both in public and private. Face is a personal concept that embraces qualities such as a good name, good character, and being held in esteem by one’s peers. Face is considered a commodity that can be given, lost, taken away, or earned. On top of this face also extends to the family, school, company, and even the nation itself.
The desire to maintain face makes Malaysians strive for harmonious relationships.
Face can be lost by openly criticizing, insulting, or putting someone on the spot; doing something that brings shame to the group; challenging someone in authority, especially if this is done in public; showing anger at another person; refusing a request; not keeping a promise; or disagreeing with someone publicly. Conversely, face can be saved by remaining calm and courteous; discussing errors or transgressions in private; speaking about problems without blaming anyone; using non-verbal communication to say “no”; and allowing the other person to get out of the situation with their pride intact
The deeper thought from learning about other countries…..we never can forget how we were established and family should be at the center of any country and any place on this earth. We are given the opportunity to be blessed to have family and it is an honor to do for our families and others. Striving for harmonious relationships is a beautiful goal and thanks for allowing me the honor to research your country Malaysia.
DAILY FEATURED BIBLE VERSE:
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
(c) copyright 2013 Arline Lott Miller. The material here copyrighted, use only by permission.
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Author: sippingcupsofinspiration
A blogger since 2012, a published author of three Five Star romance novels, A MISTRESS, A WIFE and TELL ME LIES; LOVE ME STILL and RIDDLE ME THIS, LOVE OR BLISS. Still a small town girl with a lot of experience of people watching. Ten years of blogging experience.
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