KUALA LUMPUR: Language experts have advised against using terms of endearment such as "sayang" or "dear" in the workplace as it could hinder work processes.
They said one should be wary as such affectionate terms should only be used in situations of a romantic or flirtatious nature.
In fact, civil servants have been warned against using terms of endearment when speaking to colleagues as it is now considered a form of sexual harassment.
Bahasa Melayu expert Professor Emeritus Datuk Dr Nik Safiah Karim said civil servants who use such words when working could risk their duty being hindered as some would find it inappropriate.
"For example, if a policeman is trying to gather some information from the public and they use intimate names such as 'sayang' or 'adik', it could spoil the situation and lead to false information.
"They (the person being called such terms of endearment) could take offence, get angry and provide false information.
"We should use formal language in a formal setting (at work) as the meaning of certain words could change according to the situation," she said.
She added that intimate names were only suitable if the person in the conversation has familial or romantic ties.
"It is not appropriate when they (civil servants) use informal language in a formal setting. It doesn't suit their uniform," she said.
National Council of Professors senior fellow Professor Emeritus Datuk Dr Teo Kok Seong said terms of endearment are usually used in romantic situations as they convey implications of love, or are used flirtatiously to show care for the other person.
"Actually each term of endearment has its own connotation. This depends very much on the situation they are used in... amongst them are tone of voice, body language, and social context.
"It is also used in non-romantic situations when addressing, or referring to, a child, animals — especially pets — as well as objects which are precious belongings, besides religious idols," he said.
He added that such terms should only be used in a romantic setting as it could be considered as sexual harassment if it's used in any other setting.
It was reported on Saturday that civil servants have been warned against using terms of endearment like "sayang" or "dear" when speaking to colleagues as it is now considered a form of sexual harassment.
The Public Services Commission (PSC) listed this on a checklist on harassment and disciplinary offences for government departments and agencies last month.
"Sexting", the act of sending indecent pictures and text messages with sexual connotations, is also considered harassment.
It also stated that extramarital affairs among civil servants would result in disciplinary action against those involved.