According to the kamus dewan and dictionary.
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If you've ever ordered a cup of air soya from a pasar malam stall, you probably know the word "soya" as a Malay term
But, have you ever wondered if the word "soya" is actually a Malay or English term?
The thing is, it's actually both.
That's right, the word "soya" is recognised in both English and Malay!
According to the Oxford Learner's Dictionary, "soya" refers to the plant that produces soya beans, as well as food made from those beans.
However, the spelling you encounter often depends on which variety of English is being used. British English commonly uses "soya", while American English typically favours "soy".
For example, you might see "soya milk" on a British-style product label and "soy milk" on an American one.
The word is also listed in the Kamus Dewan, published by Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka, Malaysia's national language and literature authority
The meaning behind the word "soya" is identical to the English term and is used widely when referring to food-based products such as kacang soya (soya bean) and susu soya (soya milk).
Soybeans have a long history of cultivation in East Asia, where they became an important source of food
As soybean products travelled beyond their original regions, the names associated with them also spread and changed across languages.
The Oxford Learner's Dictionary traces it to the Dutch word soja, reflecting the way words can travel between languages through trade and cultural contact.
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