Journal of the Straits Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society/Volume 13/Proposed English-Malay Dictionary
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES.
PROPOSED ENGLISH-MALAY DICTIONARY.
Students of Malay, among whom many members of this Society may be included, will learn with interest that Mr. H. C. Klinkert, one of the best Malay scholars in Holland, has it in contemplation to publish an English-Malay Dictionary, adapted from his new Dutch-Malay Dictionary now passing through the press.
Whether the English edition will, or will not, be produced, will depend upon the measure of support which may be depended on. A certain number of subscribers should be forthcoming, in the first instance, to ensure that a work involving so much labour will not result in pecuniary loss. The publication of the work, if subscribers are found in sufficient number (and among these, the Government of the Straits Settlements, the Raja of Sarawak and the Directors of the British North Borneo Company may perhaps be counted upon for substantial support ?), will be undertaken by Mr. E. J. Brill of Leyden, whose recently issued prospectus is subjoined:—
"Mr. H. C. Klinkert whose scientific and practical publications on the Malay Language and Literature have already contributed so largely to the knowledge of that language, has, as the result of several years' study, undertaken the compilation of an English-Malay Dictionary, which is to be published next year. When, during the Oriental Congress at Leyden, Mr. Klinkert, speaking with some competent men on this publication, was requested to make it accessible to those also, who do not understand the Dutch Language. Though a very tedious work, he would not directly decline the request, if by a sufficient subscription it should appear that the work would meet the wishes of those who are to use it.
"With regard to the manner in which he intends to compile this dictionary, he believes it to be in consonance with the spirit of the language simple and natural, and—what his long experience confirms—thoroughly practical.
"The transcription of the Malay words will be given in the dialect of the Straits-Settlements, after the manner adopted by "Messrs. Maxwell and Keasberry.
"The English part will be revised by a native Englishman. As soon as we have a sufficient number of subscribers-we shall begin printing. The subscription price for one copy is twenty-five shillings, bound
"To show the manner in which the author has formed his plan, and to give an idea of its completeness and extent, we give a specimen, annexed to this prospectus.
"The whole will be about one thousand—or one thousand two hundred pages.
"To lay claim to completeness the Dictionary of the English. and Malay languages now projected ought to be followed by a Dictionary of the Malay and English languages, the materials for which are in preparation. It will be published as a second volume, if the support accorded to the present volume gives sufficient encouragement."
"Leyden, October, 1881.
E. J. BRILL.
A subscription list has been opened by the Honorary Secretary of the Straits Branch, Royal Asiatic Society, Singapore; and members of the Society and the public who may wish to enter their names as subscribers can do so at the Raffles. Library, Singapore, where the specimen sheet of the proposed Dictionary can be seen. As stated in the prospectus, the subscription price for one copy will be £1 5s. 0d, bound.
Errata.
In the paper headed "Malacca in the Eighteenth Century" printed in Journal No. XII, p. 261, for bentang (wherever that word occurs), real benteng.