ENGLISH QUESTION FORMS USED BY YOUNG MALAYSIAN INDIANS

Abstract

This study examines the use of question forms in Malaysian English (ME) by a group of young Malaysian Indians who are considered to be Dominant Speakers of English (DSE). Through the use of a structured questionnaire and a test, four question-types were studied: yes/no questions, wh questions, tag questions and indirect questions. The use of particles in the questions was also analysed. The findings suggest that non-standard forms of the questions were used in most of the question types except for wh questions. Test scores of the four question forms revealed that the subjects were able to identify and use the standard forms of wh questions and yes/no questions. Almost all the subjects were unable to produce standard forms of indirect questions. The findings therefore indicate that (1) speakers possess two systems of question forms in ME: non-standard and standard forms; (2) in most cases they are able to separate the two forms according to their appropriate contexts; (3) non- standard forms for tag questions and indirect questions have spilled over into standard usage. These findings can be used to show how standard and non-standard forms of questions are used in ME and to create awareness among users and teachers about appropriate use of language in context. This would make language learning more ‘real’ as it acknowledges the students’ everyday use of English which is associated with notions of identity, intimacy and solidarity while making them aware of the use of standard forms in more formal written contexts.