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Malay
| Learn Malay - First words | ||
|---|---|---|
| Hi! | Helo! | |
| Hello! | Selamat sejahtera! | |
| How are you? | Apa khabar? | |
| Good bye! | Selamat tinggal! | |
| See you soon! | Jumpa lagi! | |
Facts about the Malay language
The Malay language, known as Bahasa Melayu, is a major language of the Austronesian family. It is widely spoken in Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Singapore, and parts of Thailand. Serving as a lingua franca in the Malay Archipelago, it plays a crucial role in the region’s cultural and social dynamics.
Malay has official status in Malaysia, Brunei, and Singapore, highlighting its importance in governance, education, and media. This widespread use fosters unity and communication among the diverse populations of these countries. The language’s simplicity and flexibility have contributed to its role as a unifying force.
Historically, Malay was written using the Arabic script known as Jawi. However, in the 20th century, the Latin alphabet was introduced, and it became the standard script, known as Rumi. This transition facilitated the language’s spread and made it more accessible to non-native speakers.
The vocabulary of Malay includes many loanwords from Sanskrit, Arabic, English, and Dutch, reflecting centuries of trade and cultural exchanges. These influences enrich the language, making it a mosaic of the region’s history and interactions with the world.
Malay is known for its inclusivity and adaptability, incorporating new terms to reflect contemporary life and technology. This evolutionary nature ensures that the language remains relevant and vibrant, capable of expressing modern concepts and ideas.
Promotion of the Malay language in literature, music, and education continues to strengthen its stature in the region. Through initiatives that encourage the use of Malay, speakers maintain a deep connection to their heritage while navigating the challenges of globalization. This balance between tradition and modernity exemplifies the enduring significance of the Malay language in Southeast Asia.
Malay for beginners is one of over 50 free language packs that you can get from us.
‘50LANGUAGES’ is the effective way to learn Malay online and for free.
Our teaching materials for the Malay course are available both online and as iPhone and Android apps.
With this course you can learn Malay independently - without a teacher and without a language school!
The lessons are clearly structured and will help you achieve your goals.
Learn Malay fast with 100 Malay language lessons organized by topic.
