The words are talking about the same Art.
Just like some say "Kempo Karate" or "Kenpo Karate"
Some may say Pencak because they study one art form of Silat while some say Pentjak and they study under a master who may be Dutch...
Rocky

The Dutch way of spelling a "ch" sound like in "cheese" and "chair" is "tj". When the Indonesians gained independence in the 1940's they reformed the spelling so that "ch" sounds were spelled with a "c". So "pentjak" became "pencak"

Hormat to all fellow practitioners,

It`s been quite a while and so I just wanted to add my 2 cents worth!

With regards to the meanings of Pen(tj)ak Silat and Pen(C)ak Silat. For the most part, Mr. Rocky, Mr.Patrick, and Mr.John you are all correct in, that everyone hears a different story! I too,,,have heard all of these explanations. It does however, depend on whom your learning from. Even I heard that Pen(tj)ak is typically easier for the average American to pronounce. Versus Pen(c)ak, which some might pronounce as: "PanCake". Which some Guru`s and Guru Besar`s may have some difficulties digesting? Due to Adat = (cultural) reasons.

However, Pen(tj)ak or Pen(c)ak in terms of defiition is also some what of an interesting discussion. I `ve heard many different definitions of the word such as: The Art, meaning the Seni or artistic side/ some say this refers to the forms such as the Juru`s, Kembang, Lankha`s etc.

When I was still in the Netherlands many Guru Besars (Grand Masters) said that; Pentjakkers are those whom only perform the Seni, which then got compared to Silat players those whom actually teach as well as fight based on the bringing the "Seni" into application. It`s amazing how Terms and Theories are taught from generation to generation.

The way I teach my students is as follows: when it comes to beginners, (with no Dutch-Indonesian or INDO) background! I tend to stick to: Pentjak then later as they advance, I slowly hear them say and write Pencak, because now they have a more in depth understand of our HORMAT AND ADAT!

Also, I start some, based on their comprehension of my initial explanation with: Pentjak is the art! and Silat is the fighting aspect. Then as they advance, they start to see that there is more going on, in terms of depth! Now we are talking more about Evasion and Deflection, Lightning (SILAT) speed and timing as well as conceptual understanding!

So, all in all: I just wanted to share some of my personal knowledge on Terminology.

Respectfully yours,

Mr.Chester B.Mellonius
Chief Instructor of:
Pentjak Silat - Way of the Hornet USA

Teaching under the auspices of:
The International Pencak Silat Federation, Pentjak Silat USA/AnakSerak
Guru Besar, Sepuh, Dr,Andre KnustGraichen
CEO,Chief Instructor and Founder

PS: Please, forgive any grammar and or any spelling errors, because I have a bad habit of typing extremly fast!