Malay Contributions to English, pt.6: The Gong Show
22 March 2005
3 Comments
Drummers perform near Jalan Masjid India
Gongs, drums and props
Laying nearby were the props and instruments waiting to be used. Among them was an enormous brass gong. The gong is a popular component of traditional music around here, perhaps the best known of which is Gamelan, the percussion orchestra. “Gong” itself is an English word taken directly from the Malaysian language. It comes from the Malay word gaung which means “echo”. I wonder if the object itself originates in Malaysia. It may very well have come from China, since the Chinese also use gongs and are a relatively older culture.
I am wondering, could it be dikir barat? If it is, then it’s not Sarawakian but from East Coast.
No..no…it couldn’t be Dikir Barat. Dikir Barat does not include dancing in its performance, what more male dancers clad in female attire. I can’t figure it out from the pictures shown because there’re not much details…for instance the dancers. I think the best place to see a public traditional performances is in Central Market (Pasar Seni/Budaya). I guess they still have ‘em there during the weekends.
salam
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