Latitudes Magazine online focuses on Southeast Asia. Click on the image above for free access to the site.‘Language’ Archives
April 2012 – Poem of the Month
Eating Together By Li-Young Lee In the steamer is the trout seasoned with slivers of ginger, two sprigs of green onion, and sesame oil. We shall eat it with rice for lunch, brothers, sister, my mother who will taste the sweetest meat of the head, holding it between her [Read More]
Pronunciation Tips: Vowels
Bahasa Indonesia is mainly a phonetic language, which is great for new learners because pronunciation typically corresponds with how the words are spelled. Here are some pronunciation tips regarding vowels in particular: a: pronounced as “ah” like in the word [Read More]
March 2012 – Poem of the Month
WORLD WHICH IS LACK OF LOVE by Yuliana Fransiska, Indonesia Have you ever sit alone in a quiet place Think calmly about the world around you How it moves, how it works, how it spins You’ll find there are a lot of activities A lot of works, a lot of responsibilities A [Read More]
Indonesian Slang
Indonesian slang is also known as “bahasa gaul” or “bahasa prokem.” Here is a preliminary list of resources related to the topic of Indonesian slang. Suggestions for additional sources are welcome in the comments box: About Language [Read More]
February 2012 – Poem of the Month
“A Bathroom’s Daydream” By Rieke Diah Pitaloka It might be good, not to take notes of life in the pages of diary book One time, if we read it again sweet, makes us want to go back bitter, makes our sorrow unforgettable It might be good, reflect on life in [Read More]
Witty Word #6 – Kayu Manis
Cinnamon is a popular spice from Indonesia. It is mainly cultivated in Java and Sumatra. Cinnamon is used in a variety of sweet and savory dishes. In Bahasa Indonesia, cinnamon is “kayu manis.” “Kayu” is “wood” and [Read More]
January 2012 – Poem of the Month
“Mask Dance” By Ahmad Shiddiqi dance of the strong warrior showing advance of old age in king’s old counselor showing king in all his glory with enough clowns to fill a circus with their princes and clowns relates the tales of Balinese and Javanese [Read More]
Witty Word #5 – Special Pillow
One can find a special type of pillow in Indonesia called a “guling.” In English, the pillow can be translated as “bolster” or “body pillow.” From a language perspective, what is interesting is the Indonesian English version: [Read More]
December 2011 – Poem of the Month
“DREAM FOR THE WORLD” by Dina Mardiana in Indonesia Life’s no cruel if People don’t cheat Life’s no harm if People don’t kill Our world’s no danger if We don’t attack each other Our world’s much prettier when We give [Read More]
November 2011 – Poem of the Month
“Good Morning, God!” by Rieke Diah Pitaloka I open the window, God greets me “what do you want today?” “God,” I said, “liberate all the oppressed souls” God smiles through fragrance of roses My parrot sings happily enjoying [Read More]
