Visiting a doctor can be a stressful experience, especially if you’re not fluent in the local language. This article will guide you through common phrases and vocabulary in Baba Malay that you can use during medical visits. Understanding these phrases can help you communicate more effectively with healthcare providers and ensure you receive the best care possible.
Key Phrases for Medical Situations
Here are some essential phrases to use when you need medical assistance:
"Gua tak sedap badan" (I’m not feeling well)
"Gua ada janji mo jumpa doktor" (I have an appointment to see the doctor)
"Gua mo jumpa doktor" (I’d like to see a doctor)
"Gua mo bikin appointment jumpa dokter" (I’d like to make an appointment to see a doctor)
"Gua ada batok" (I’m coughing)
“Gua ada chirit/lau sai” (I have diarrhoea)
“Gua ada deman” (I have a fever)
“Gua ada kepala sakét” (I have a headache)
“Gua ada kepala pening” (I feel dizzy)
“Gua ada muntah” (I’ve been vomiting)
“Gua ada sakét perot” (I’ve been having stomach aches)
“Gua rasa sengair” (I’ve been having joint aches/ cramps)
Specific Vocabulary
Understanding specific medical terms can help you describe your symptoms more accurately:
"Kepala Sakét" (Headache)
"Deman" (Fever)
"Batok" (Cough)
"Perot Sakét" (Stomachache)
"Pening" (Dizzy)
"Salah Bantair" (Stiff Neck)
"Obat" (Medicine)
"Chirit" (Diarrhoea)
"Léher Perét" (Sore Throat)
"Penyakét" (Sickness)
Cultural Note
In Peranakan culture, traditional remedies and modern medicine often coexist. While visiting a doctor, you might also hear about traditional remedies such as herbal teas or specific dietary recommendations that have been passed down through generations. It’s common for Peranakans to integrate these traditional practices with modern healthcare.
Conclusion
Although most Doctors would not be speaking Baba Malay, Don’t hesitate to practise these dialogues at home or with your Peranakan friends and Family and share your experiences in the comments below!
We’d love to hear from you! Have you had any experiences using Baba Malay at the doctor’s office? Share your stories and any additional phrases you think are useful in the comments section. Your input can help others in their language learning journey.
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Credits: BABA MALAY FOR EVERYONE: A comprehensive guide to the Peranakan Language(2020) by Baba Kenneth Tan and Amelyn Thompson
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