Kupu-kupu or rama-rama? The polemics of the Malay translation for butterflies and moths

Kamarudin, Norman and Hashim, Roosfa (2023) Kupu-kupu or rama-rama? The polemics of the Malay translation for butterflies and moths. In: Persidangan Penterjemah Antarabangsa Ke 19: Global Translation For Rahmatan Lil 'Alamin (24-26 May 2023, Dewan Besar Bunga Raya, Hotel Swiss-Garden, Bukit Bintang, 24-26 May 2023, Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur.

	PDF Restricted to Repository staff only Download (8MB)
Preview	PDF Download (9MB) | Preview
Preview	PDF Download (511kB) | Preview
	PDF Restricted to Repository staff only Download (278kB)

Abstract

The authorised and valid Malay translation for butterfly and moth are kupu-kupu and rama- rama respectively. However, there are currently some anomalies and inconsistencies in the usage of these common names. Some have argued that the use of kupu-kupu should be for moths, being nocturnally active, and analogous to the Malay idiom, kupu-kupu malam. However, kupu-kupu in this context is referring to the ‘streetwalkers of the night’, more oftenbeautiful and colourful (hence, more logical as a butterfly). This paper has two purposes. Firstly, to analyse the public usage of these terms and their perception in commercials, arts, folklore, and education. Secondly, to collate all relevant information, from Malaysia and Indonesia, which is directly related to this issue. A search was conducted using the Google search engine to check on the consistency of the terms kupu-kupu and rama-rama being used over the internet, concerning their proper and authorised translation. The articles were listed with their web addresses and later sorted according to their published dates, to check for any changing trends. It is shown that the most popular usage is still referring to the registered and authorised translation. However, the suggested use by Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka has evolved ever since 2017, with rama-rama being synonymised with kupu-kupu, and its usage is more circumstantial. The arguments of various users, which include usage in commercials, arts, folklore, and education are discussed. A gradual change to the correct use of these standard terms may be required to avoid inconsistencies and confusion among students and the general public.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Slide Presentation)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	translation; common name; kupu-kupu; rama-rama; butterfly; moth; Lepidoptera
Subjects:	A General Works > AC Collections. Series. Collected works
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Information and Communication Technology > Department of Library & Information Science Kulliyyah of Information and Communication Technology > Department of Library & Information Science
Depositing User:	ROOSFA HASHIM
Date Deposited:	07 Jun 2023 11:23
Last Modified:	07 Jun 2023 11:32
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/105012

Actions (login required)

View Item