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The Learner's Dictionary of Today's Indonesian

Written by George Quinn

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1,328 pages, about 27 hours of reading

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About this book

What are the 24 words for 'you' in Indonesian? Why does Indonesian have four words for 'rice but no exact equivalent of 'farm'? How do you say 'Bang!' 'Ouch!' and 'Eh?'. What is the difference between dong and doang in colloquial Indonesian? How did the name of the Hindu god Indra give us the modern Indonesian word for motor vehicle? Whether you are a beginner or an advanced student of Indonesian, The Learner's Dictionary of Today's Indonesian is an essential tool to help you gain an authentic, up-to-date, and active command of the language. It provides a wholly new, very detailed snapshot of the core vocabulary of Indonesian. Among its features are: * thousand of illustrative sentences * an easy pronunciation guide * extensive cross-referencing * helpful tips on usage * topic lists which group the dictionary's words according to 42 'common usage' areas, including time, colours, daily activities, the home, sport, occupations, mass media, religion and business. A unique feature of the dictionary is the dozens of boxes giving invaluable information on everyday usage, word origins and nuances of meaning. Rich in information on the cultural context in which words are used, it includes notes on the difficulties learners experience arising from differences in culture and history between English-speakers and Indonesian-speakers. The Learner's Dictionary of Today's Indonesian is the first comprehensive dictionary designed specifically to help you gain a practical command of the national language of one of the world's most populous nations.

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Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in The Learner's Dictionary of Today's Indonesian, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 100 hours
  • intermediate
  • informative
  • practical
  • insightful

George Quinn's "The Learner's Dictionary of Today's Indonesian" is a foundational linguistic resource designed for both beginner and advanced students of Indonesian. Spanning 1328 pages, this dictionary goes far beyond simple translations, offering deep dives into cultural nuances, colloquialisms, and etymological insights that are crucial for achieving authentic fluency. It addresses common learner challenges, such as the multiple words for 'you' or the lack of direct equivalents for certain concepts, making it an indispensable tool for understanding the language in its practical, everyday context. With thousands of illustrative sentences, pronunciation guides, and extensive cross-referencing, it aims to provide a comprehensive and active command of Indonesian.

“What are the 24 words for 'you' in Indonesian?”

Key themes

Cultural Nuance in Language
This dictionary profoundly explores how culture is embedded within language. It highlights the non-equivalence of certain concepts between Indonesian and English, such as the numerous words for 'you' reflecting social hierarchy and politeness, or the multiple terms for 'rice' indicating its central role in Indonesian life. This theme emphasizes that language is not merely a tool for communication but a mirror of societal values, history, and worldview.
The Importance of Colloquial and Everyday Usage
The dictionary places a strong emphasis on practical, everyday Indonesian, distinguishing it from purely formal or academic texts. It tackles the nuances of informal speech, which is essential for learners to sound natural and engage effectively in real-world conversations. This theme underscores that true fluency goes beyond textbook grammar and vocabulary to embrace the dynamic, living language spoken by natives.
Etymology and Linguistic Evolution
The book frequently delves into the origins of words, illustrating how historical, religious, and cultural influences have shaped the Indonesian lexicon. This theme demonstrates that language is not static but a constantly evolving entity, with words carrying echoes of past civilizations and interactions. Understanding etymology provides a deeper appreciation for the language's structure and its connections to broader historical narratives.

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