Etymology

I'm very interested in the letters published in this column dealing with the "etymological diatribe" about the attribution of the linguistics paternity to some foreign words that have been "Indonesianized".

I believe that it would be more appropriate to say that many Latin and Greek words, after having been "Englishized" or "Dutchized", have also been "Indonesianized".

The origin of the terms on which the writers based their erudite dissertations can be attributed neither to English nor to the Dutch language. They are of Greek or Latin origin, and have been assimilated and "mangled" by many languages, including English and Dutch, in order to supplement their respective dictionaries with more appropriate and sophisticated words.

In confirmation of what I'm stating, it's enough to look into any English or Dutch dictionary or any scientific treaties of medicine, biology, anatomy and so on.

Also, the words cited as examples of the "Indonesianization" of the English or Dutch language -- like transmigrasi, spekulasi, insinuasi, reputasi, registrasi, etc. -- are of Latin origin.

The most discussed "Indonesianized" word seems to be retribusi. Well, it's undoubtedly useless to debate about the origin of the word: It comes from neither the English nor the Dutch language, since either "retribution" or "retributie" are a manipulation of the Latin verb "tribuere".

For sure, the exaggerated and rash influence of English is impoverishing the Indonesian language, and I wonder what strange mental malformation can induce somebody to write on a signboard "Hairdresser for ladis and gent" (in Kemayoran) or "Niu photo Center" (in Pasar Baru). The Indonesian language is sweet and musical, and doesn't deserve to be spoiled by senseless xenophiles.

PIERO RONCI

Jakarta