Malaysians are forever obsessed with titles.
From Datuk to Dr, titles have long been a pursuit of many aspiring Malaysian status-seekers
Many will most probably have come across those who insist to be called a certain way. They’d even make a big deal out of it if you’re unaware of their stature.
Taking to Twitter, @adrianadianaa shared her experience with lecturers she had in the UK who insisted that their students disregard their title and address them by their first name.
My lecturers in the UK are mostly PhD graduates and one of them even graduated from the University of Oxford
But all of them insist that we call them by their name. Some even threatened to make us stand in the corner of the classroom if we call them prof/miss/sir/teacher/dr https://t.co/j63n0ZBUwM
— ❄️ (@adrianadianaa) December 15, 2018
“My lecturers in the UK are mostly PhD graduates and one of them even graduated from the University of Oxford.”
“But all of them insist that we call them by their name. Some even threatened to make us stand in the corner of the classroom if we called them prof/miss/sir/teacher/dr.”
Are Malaysians really that obsessed?
I can never understand Malaysians and their obsession with titles. Kalau sebab untuk respect pun, sir/madam should be sufficient kan??♀️??♀️
— ❄️ (@adrianadianaa) December 15, 2018
@adrianadianaa added, “I can never understand Malaysians and their obsession with titles. Even if it’s done as a sign of respect, sir/madam should be sufficient right?”
Her tweet came in response to another tweet which insisted undergraduates address their lecturers with the correct designation.
Source: Lobak Merah
He wrote, “Tips for those entering freshman year: if your lecturers are professors, do not address them as sir.”
According to several responses, learning cultures in both Asia and Europe are different.
I studied in UK too.
But it's unfair to compare between two different cultures.
Compare apple with apple la.
I get it to not be too obsessed with titles.
But for me, it's a sign of respect in our culture. Just like we have pakcik, makcik, to call older people.
— A Mental Health Advocate (@AimanPsikologis) December 16, 2018
@AimanPsikologis said, “I studied in the UK too. But it is unfair to compare between to different cultures.”
“Make an apple to apple comparison. I get it to not be too obsessed with titles.”
He added that it is a sign of respect in our culture, just like how we refer to our aunts, uncles or even grandmothers with names that portray respect such as uncle, po po and many other examples.
Whenever I met with Dean or etc, I use the title Dr first.
If they insist to just call by something else, then I proceed with their preference.
Or you can just ask them, what to call.
It's unfair to perceive "calling by titles" as obsessions or berlagak dengan title.
— A Mental Health Advocate (@AimanPsikologis) December 16, 2018
@AimanPsikologis also shared his approach to the situation, “Whenever I meet with the Dean or etc, I use the title Dr first.”
“If they insist to just call by something else, then I process with their preference.”
Maybe that is the best approach to these situations. It is never wrong to ask a person, especially those who have given so much to the field their preference.
Are we that obsessed? Share with us your thoughts.
Also read: “M’sian Education System Has Failed Me,” Says 19yo Math Genius Who Can’t Continue Studies
