Book on Terengganu dialect launched in conjunction Visit 2013

Kuala Terengganu, Jan 14: A definitive book on the Terengganu dialect vocabulary, ‘Kenali Loghat Terengganu’, written by local writer Tuan Sharif Tuan Putera was launched, yesterday.

Speaking at the launch of the book, State Tourism, Culture, Arts and Heritage Committee chairman Datuk Abdul Rahin Mohd Said said the book would be a fitting gift in conjunction with the Visit Terengganu Year 2013 for it could help tourists in their interaction with locals.

“By delving into the book, tour agencies and tourist guides can learn the glossary of local words, and thus, get to know local culture and customs better,” he added.

He said the book was instrumental in assisting the state government to popularise Terengganu dialect besides appointing comedian Zizan Razak, who is also a local, as a TMT13 ambassador.

Meanwhile, Tuan Sharif, who is from Kampung Petai Bubus, Manir here, said he had planned to publish the book since 1970s and was glad he was able to accomplish it.

He said the book contained 868 old Terengganu dialect words, most of them were rarely used and known by the present generation.

“It is more like a dictionary with a glossary of words with an explanation on their meaning. The vocabulary will be added in the next edition if there is a need to publish it,” he added.

‘Kenali Loghat Terengganu’ is the first book published by Tuan Sharif’s own publishing house, Sharif Kreatif while his next book will be on the state’s traditional recipes.

Tuan Sharif, who was a freelance reporter, had written 117 short stories, 120 poems, including an anthology, biographies of former Terengganu Menteri Besar Tan Sri Wan Mokhtar Ahmad and former deputy education minister Datuk Rozali Ismail, a book on the state Umno. – BERNAMA