On foreign words

On foreign words

I fully agree with the letter by Yakup P (The Jakarta Post, April 28, 1995) regarding foreign words being used to name buildings, apartments and other places in Indonesia. Since this is Indonesia, it is better for them to have Indonesian names. In the time I've spent in Indonesia, I have made an effort to learn the Indonesian language. I have noticed foreign words being used not only as the names of places, but also as verbs to replace Indonesian verbs unnecessarily.

There are so many influences from other cultures in Indonesia today, both good and bad. Foreign cultural influence has had a significant impact on the United States of America and overall has made my country a better place. It can do the same for Indonesia if Indonesians take the good and not the bad from other cultures. Also Indonesians should not throw away the good in their own culture, especially strong religious and moral values. Indonesians should not be ashamed of being Indonesian. As for the language, the Indonesian language should 'tetap Bahasa Indonesia' (remain the Indonesian language).

By the way, regarding the names of other countries, Egypt has always been called Mesir by Egyptians I have met.

KEVIN J. DUNPHY

Bandung, West Java