If there is a Dutch component to
kamar, I think we can trace the Dutch word back to Latin. The Latin word for a private room or chamber is
camera. This is still heard today in English when legal matters are said to be conducted
in camera, or in a private room free from public scrutiny.
Ian.
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Originally Posted by A. G. Maisey
Interesting.
So we are talking about the scabbard, not talking about the sword, and the name of the scabbard is tilang kamaran.
Kamaran comes from the root "kamar", now commonly understood as "a room".
In Classical Malay there are several meanings for "kamar":- a room, a cabin, an upstairs room; a scarf, a girdle; the moon.
These were taken straight from Wilkinson, the common usage that we all know is "a room", the other usages I've never heard of, but it is Wilkinson, so it is correct. I think "kamar" comes from the Dutch "kamer" = "a room".
The suffix "an" could have been used to indicate something associated with a room, but not a room. For example, "bangun" is to "wake up, to get up", but "bangunan" is a building: something that has been raised up.
I believe we can now forget all about dry seasons.
In respect of "tilan/tilang". The tilan fish has a habit of hiding itself in river weeds and mud.
Based on this new information I'd put my money on "tilang kamaran" being a humorous reference to a place where the tilang hides. The word tilang also being a humorous reference to the sword.
I do not know Dyaks, but it would surprise me greatly if they did not have a sense of humour at least as well developed, probably more so, than any other people.
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