Indonesia and Malaysia share a deep cultural and historical connection, evident in their shared roots in the Malay language. Despite these similarities, each country has developed its own linguistic quirks and vocabulary, reflecting unique cultural nuances and historical influences. This linguistic diversity often leads to fascinating differences, even in everyday office terms.
Here, we explore some of the most notable differences in office-related vocabulary between Indonesia and Malaysia, showcasing how the same language family can evolve in distinct ways.
The Office Environment: "Kantor" vs. "Pejabat"
In Indonesia, the word kantor is commonly used to refer to an office or workplace. Meanwhile, in Malaysia, the term pejabat is used for the same purpose. Although both terms are understood across borders, pejabat in Indonesian usually means “official” rather than a physical office space, highlighting how context shapes meaning.
Interestingly, the differences extend beyond the terms themselves. The cultural connotations tied to workplace hierarchies and formalities also influence how these words are used in professional settings, adding depth to their meaning.
Deadlines and Meetings: "Jatuh Tempo" vs. "Tempoh Akhir"
Managing tasks and deadlines is a universal aspect of office work, but even this comes with linguistic twists. In Indonesia, a deadline is called jatuh tempo, which translates to “falling due,” emphasizing urgency. In Malaysia, the term tempoh akhir is used, literally meaning “final period,” suggesting a slightly broader timeframe.
Similarly, the word for “meeting” differs, with Indonesians using rapat and Malaysians using mesyuarat. These terms reflect subtle variations in how each culture approaches the formality and purpose of workplace gatherings.
Training and Presentations: "Pelatihan" vs. "Latihan"
Professional development is another area where vocabulary differences are evident. In Indonesia, training sessions are referred to as pelatihan, derived from the root word latih (train) with the addition of the prefix and suffix to denote a structured activity. Malaysians, on the other hand, use the simpler term latihan, which can refer to both training and practice in a broader sense.
When it comes to presentations, Indonesians say presentasi, borrowing directly from English, while Malaysians use pembentangan, a term rooted in Malay. These differences reflect how each country balances linguistic preservation with the adoption of loanwords.
Employee Relations: "Karyawan" vs. "Pekerja"
In Indonesia, the word karyawan is commonly used to refer to employees, particularly in corporate or formal contexts. In Malaysia, pekerja is the standard term, which directly translates to “worker.” This distinction highlights differing perspectives on professional identity, with karyawan often carrying a more prestigious connotation.
Similarly, the word for “intern” differs: Indonesians use magang, while Malaysians use pelatih, which can also mean “trainee.” These terms reflect subtle cultural differences in how internships are perceived and structured in each country.
Overtime and Bonuses: "Lembur" vs. "Lebih Masa"
The concept of working beyond regular hours is universal, but the terms differ. In Indonesia, overtime is referred to as lembur, while in Malaysia, it is called lebih masa, meaning “extra time.” Both terms emphasize the additional effort required but differ in how they frame the concept linguistically.
Bonuses, particularly those associated with Eid celebrations, also have unique names. Indonesians refer to this as THR (Tunjangan Hari Raya), while Malaysians call it bonus Hari Raya. These terms reflect cultural traditions surrounding holidays and their integration into workplace practices.
Retirement and Beyond: "Pensiun" vs. "Persaraan"
Retirement marks a significant life milestone, and the terms used reflect this importance. Indonesians use pensiun, derived from the Dutch word pension, highlighting colonial linguistic influences. Malaysians, however, use persaraan, a purely Malay term that conveys the act of withdrawing from active work.
These linguistic variations underscore the shared heritage and unique evolution of the Malay language in Indonesia and Malaysia. While mutual intelligibility is high, the differences reveal how each nation has adapted the language to fit its own cultural and social contexts.
