What is Malaysian Malay, and what are its alternative names?

Malaysian Malay, known endonymically as Standard Malay (Bahasa Melayu piawai) or simply Malay (Bahasa Melayu, abbreviated to BM), is a standardized form of the Malay language. It is also referred to as Bahasa Melayu Malaysia or Bahasa Malaysia. This language is distinct from the variety used in Indonesia, which is called the Indonesian language.

Where is Malaysian Malay primarily spoken and recognized as an official language?

Malaysian Malay is primarily spoken in Malaysia and is also used in Singapore and Brunei. It holds official language status in all three of these countries.

From which dialect is Malaysian Malay standardized?

Malaysian Malay is standardized from the Johor–Riau dialect of Malay, specifically a branch spoken in the state of Johor, located in the southern part of the Malay Peninsula.

How many native speakers does Malaysian Malay have, and how is it learned by the majority of the population in Malaysia?

As of 2022, there are few native speakers of Malaysian Malay. However, it is spoken as a second language (L2) by the vast majority of people in Malaysia, although most individuals first learn a local Malay dialect or another native language.

What is the linguistic classification of Malaysian Malay?

Malaysian Malay belongs to the Austronesian language family, specifically within the Malayo-Polynesian branch, then the Malayic sub-branch, and finally the Malay language group.

What are the historical forms that led to modern Malaysian Malay?

The early forms of Malay that contributed to Malaysian Malay include Old Malay, which evolved into Classical Malay (specifically the Johor–Riau Malay dialect), and subsequently Pre-Modern Malay (also known as British Malayan Malay).

What writing systems are used for Malaysian Malay?

Malaysian Malay primarily uses the Latin script, known as Rumi, and also the Arabic script, known as Jawi. Additionally, Malaysian Braille is used as a signed form of the language.

Which organizations regulate the Malay language in Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei?

The Malay language is regulated by the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (Malaysian Institute of Language and Literature) in Malaysia, the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka Brunei (Brunei Language and Literature Bureau) in Brunei, and the Majlis Bahasa Melayu Singapura (Singapore Malay Language Council) in Singapore.

What does Article 152 of Malaysia's Constitution state regarding the national language?

Article 152 of Malaysia's Constitution, as drafted in 1957 and revised in 1963, designates 'Malay' (Bahasa Melayu) as the national language without providing further specific definitions.

What is the literal translation of 'bahasa Malaysia' and when was this term endorsed?

The term 'bahasa Malaysia' literally translates to 'Malaysian language'. It was endorsed by Tunku Abdul Rahman during his time as prime minister and is used in official contexts from time to time.

Why did the term for the national language in Malaysia become politically contentious?

The exact wording of the national language's name, whether 'bahasa Melayu' or 'bahasa Malaysia', became politically contentious. This was due to differing views on whether the language should emphasize its ethnic Malay roots or represent the multi-ethnic composition of Malaysia.

When was the term 'bahasa Malaysia' replaced by 'bahasa Melayu' and why was it later reinstated as the preferred designation?

Between 1986 and 2007, during Mahathir Mohamad's premiership, the term 'bahasa Malaysia' was replaced by 'bahasa Melayu'. In 2007, 'bahasa Malaysia' became the government's preferred designation again to acknowledge Malaysia's diverse ethnic groups, rather than solely the ethnic Malays.

What was the stance of the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka on the term 'bahasa Malaysia' in 1999?

In 1999, the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (Malaysian Institute of Language and Literature) rejected the publication of certain short stories because their preface used the term 'bahasa Malaysia' instead of 'bahasa Melayu'.

What is the current preference of the Ministry of Education in Malaysia regarding the national language's name?

While the Ministry of Education's official communications used 'bahasa Malaysia' from 2011 to 2015, as of 2023, it has reverted to preferring 'bahasa Melayu' in its syllabi.

How is the Malay language recognized in Singapore's constitution?

In Singapore, part 13 of its constitution's general provisions grants 'the Malay language' written in the Roman script the status of a national language.

Is the Malay language used in Singapore considered identical to Malaysian Malay?

Yes, the term 'bahasa Melayu' is continuously used in Singapore's educational literature and is considered to be identical to Malaysian Malay.

How does the national standard variety of Malay in Brunei relate to the Malaysian standard?

The national standard variety of Malay used in Brunei, often called 'Standard Brunei Malay' or 'Standard Malay' internally, largely follows the Malaysian standard. The primary differences are minor variations in pronunciation and some lexical influence from Brunei Malay, which is the local non-standard vernacular.

Which script is legally prescribed as the official script for Malaysian Malay?

The Latin alphabet, known as Rumi, is legally prescribed by law as the official script of Malaysian Malay.

What is the status of the Arabic alphabet (Jawi) in Malaysian Malay?

The Arabic alphabet, known as Jawi, is not legally prescribed as the official script for Malaysian Malay. However, efforts are currently being made to preserve and revive its use in Malaysia.

Which writing system is most commonly used in Malaysia for both official and informal purposes?

The Latin alphabet, Rumi, remains the most commonly used script in Malaysia for both official and informal communication.

What does the image comparing Malay language, Jawi writing, and Khat Calligraphy illustrate?

The source material includes an image that visually compares the Malay language when written in both the Rumi (Latin) and Jawi (Arabic) scripts, alongside examples of Khat Calligraphy and other languages.

What do the Malaysian traffic signs shown in the source material depict?

The source material features an image of Malaysian traffic signs, specifically showing a warning sign for a 'Level crossing' and a regulatory 'Stop' sign, demonstrating the use of the language in public signage.

What were the primary historical sources of loanwords for literary Malay across the region?

Literary Malay throughout the region historically absorbed words primarily from Sanskrit, Tamil, Hindustani (Hindi–Urdu), Arabic, Persian, Portuguese, and Sinitic languages.

How did the borrowing of words differ for the Malay variety spoken in British colonies that formed Malaysia compared to the Dutch East Indies?

The Malay variety spoken in British colonies, which later became Malaysia following the 1824 Anglo-Dutch Treaty, borrowed significantly from English, particularly for scientific and technological terms. This contrasts with the Malay varieties in the Dutch East Indies, which were more influenced by Dutch.

How has the Indonesian language influenced Malaysian Malay in recent years?

In recent years, Malaysian Malay has been lexically influenced by the Indonesian variety. This influence is largely attributed to the popularity of neighboring mass media, such as dramas, soap operas, and music, similar to how American media affects other English varieties.

Which ancient language significantly influenced Malay due to trade and religious spread from the 1st to 14th century, and what are some examples of borrowed words?

Sanskrit significantly influenced the Malay language from the 1st to the 14th century through trade and the spread of Hindu-Buddhist religions in the Malay Archipelago. Examples of borrowed words include 'bahasa' (language), 'raja' (king), 'syurga' (heaven), 'neraka' (hell), and 'desa' (village).

What was the impact of Arabic on the Malay language, and when did this influence begin?

Arabic began influencing the Malay language with the arrival of Islam in the region during the 7th century, particularly in religious and philosophical terminology. Examples of Arabic loanwords include 'kitab' (book), 'masjid' (mosque), 'ilmu' (knowledge), 'iman' (faith), and 'zakat' (almsgiving).

Through what means did the Tamil language influence Malay, and what are some examples of words borrowed?

The Tamil language influenced Malay primarily through maritime trade between India and the Malay Archipelago. Borrowed words from Tamil include 'kedai' (shop), 'mangga' (mango), and 'vadai' (a type of snack).

What led to the borrowing of Chinese words into Malay, and can you provide examples?

Trade relations between Chinese merchants and the local population resulted in the borrowing of Chinese words into Malay. Examples include 'tauhu' (tofu), 'mi' (noodles), and 'lombong' (mine).

When and how did Portuguese words enter the Malay language, and what are some examples?

Portuguese words were introduced into the Malay language during the Portuguese occupation of Malacca in the early 16th century. Examples include 'gereja' (church), 'keju' (cheese), 'jendela' (window), and 'almari' (cupboard).

During which historical period did Dutch words influence Malay, and what are some examples?

Borrowing from Dutch occurred during the Dutch colonial period. Examples of Dutch loanwords include 'kabin' (cabin), 'sekolah' (school), and 'kontrak' (contract).

What kind of words did the English language introduce into Malay, especially during British colonial rule?

The English language introduced many technical and modern words into Malay, particularly during British colonial rule. Examples include 'telefon' (telephone), 'komputer' (computer), 'bank', 'internet', and 'stesen' (station).

What are some examples of modern Malaysian colloquial vocabulary that may be unfamiliar to older generations?

Some examples of modern Malaysian colloquial vocabulary that might not be familiar to older generations include 'Awek' (meaning girl, replacing 'perempuan'), 'Balak' (meaning guy, replacing 'jantan'), and 'Cun' (meaning pretty, replacing 'cantik / jelita').

How are new plural pronouns formed in contemporary colloquial Malay usage?

In contemporary colloquial Malay usage, new plural pronouns are popularly formed by combining original pronouns with the word 'orang' (person). For instance, 'Korang' combines 'kau' and 'orang' to mean 'you all', replacing 'kalian / kamu semua'.

What are the exclusive plural pronouns formed with 'orang' in colloquial Malaysian Malay?

In colloquial Malaysian Malay, 'Kitorang' (kita + orang) is used for the exclusive 'we', replacing 'kami'. Similarly, 'Diorang' (dia + orang) is used for the exclusive 'they', replacing 'mereka'.

What is the controversy surrounding certain Arabic terms in contemporary Malay usage among local conservative Muslims?

Local conservative Muslims sometimes dispute the Arabic terms suggested by the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP). They claim that certain words and pronunciations in these terms, with additional words and pronunciations, are the 'real correct terms' as stated in the Qur'an, and these forms are predominantly used by local Muslim netizens on social media.

Can you provide examples of Arabic terms where local conservative Muslims dispute the DBP's suggested forms?

Yes, examples include 'Ramadhan' instead of 'Ramadan' for the holy fasting month, 'Aamiin' instead of 'Amin' for asking Allah to verify a prayer, 'Fardhu' instead of 'Fardu' for obligatory in Islam, 'Redha' instead of 'Reda' for accepting, 'Mudharat' instead of 'Mudarat' for harm, 'Dhaif' instead of 'Daif' for poverty, 'Zohor' instead of 'Zuhur' for mid-day or noon time, and 'Hadith' instead of 'Hadis' for Prophet Mohamed's terms or speeches.

What is 'Bahasa Rojak' and what is its impact on the standard language?

Bahasa Rojak is a phenomenon characterized by widespread code-switching between English and Malaysian, along with the use of novel loanwords. This practice has caused displeasure among linguistic purists in Malaysia who are striving to uphold the use of the prescribed standard language.

What is the purpose of the 'Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka' in Malaysia?

The Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (Malaysian Institute of Language and Literature) is responsible for regulating the Malay language in Malaysia, including its lexicography and promoting a purist approach to its development.

What does the 'Malay language Spoken Area Map' illustrate?

The 'Malay language Spoken Area Map' visually represents the geographical areas where the Malay language is spoken, specifically highlighting Malaysia in green and Singapore and Brunei in a lighter green, indicating where Standard Malay is an official language.

Malaysian Malay Wiki: Linguistic Tapestry: Exploring Malaysian Malay's Evolution and Identity

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Origins

Defining a National Tongue

Malaysian Malay, also known as Malaysian (Bahasa Malaysia) or Standard Malay (Bahasa Melayu piawai), represents a standardized form of the broader Malay language. It is officially utilized in Malaysia and extends its influence to Singapore and Brunei. This standardization is rooted in the Johor–Riau dialect of Malay, specifically a variant spoken in the southern Malaysian state of Johor.^[8]

A Lingua Franca

While a small number of individuals identify Malaysian Malay as their native language, it functions predominantly as a second language (L2) for the vast majority of the Malaysian populace. Many Malaysians initially acquire a local vernacular Malay dialect or another indigenous language before learning the standardized form.^[1] This widespread adoption as an L2 underscores its critical role in national communication and identity.

Geographical Reach

Malaysian Malay is native to Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei. In Malaysia, it is the official language. In Singapore and Brunei, Standard Malay, which largely aligns with the Malaysian standard, also holds official language status. This linguistic commonality across these nations highlights a shared cultural and historical heritage.

Naming

The 'Bahasa Melayu' vs. 'Bahasa Malaysia' Discourse

The nomenclature of Malaysia's national language has been a subject of political and cultural debate. Article 152 of Malaysia's 1957 Constitution simply designates "Malay" (Bahasa Melayu) as the national language without further elaboration.^[9] Historically, the term Bahasa Malaysia (literally 'Malaysian language') was endorsed by Tunku Abdul Rahman during his premiership.^[11]

1986-2007: The term Bahasa Malaysia was largely replaced by Bahasa Melayu during Mahathir Mohamad's tenure.^[12]
1999: The Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (Malaysian Institute of Language and Literature) even rejected publications using Bahasa Malaysia in their prefaces.^[13]
2007: A shift occurred to recognize Malaysia's multi-ethnic composition, making Bahasa Malaysia the government's preferred designation for the national language.^[10]^[14]^[15]^[16]
2011-2015: The Ministry of Education used Bahasa Malaysia in official communications.^[18]
As of 2023: The Ministry of Education has reverted to preferring Bahasa Melayu in its syllabi.^[17]

Regional Standardization

Beyond Malaysia's borders, the standardized Malay language maintains its presence and official status, albeit with nuanced terminology and local influences.

Singapore: The Constitution of Singapore designates "the Malay language" in the Roman script as its national language. The term Bahasa Melayu is consistently used in Singaporean educational literature and is considered identical to Malaysian Malay.^[19]^[20]^[21]
Brunei: Brunei's national standard variety, often referred to as "Standard Brunei Malay" or "Standard Malay," largely adheres to the Malaysian standard. The primary distinctions lie in minor variations in pronunciation and some lexical influences derived from Brunei Malay, the local non-standard vernacular.^[21]^[22]^[23]

Script

Rumi: The Official Latin Script

The Latin alphabet, known in Malay as Rumi (Roman alphabet), holds the status of the official script for Malaysian Malay, as mandated by law. It is the most widely used script in Malaysia for both formal and informal communication, reflecting its practical dominance in modern society.^[24]

Jawi: A Heritage Arabic Script

The Arabic alphabet, known as Jawi (or Malay script), while historically significant, is not legally prescribed as an official script for Malaysian Malay. Despite this, considerable efforts are underway to preserve and revive the use of the Jawi script in Malaysia, recognizing its cultural and historical importance. However, Rumi continues to be the predominant script in daily usage.^[24]^[25]^[26]

Lexicon

Historical Loanwords

The Malay language, particularly its literary form, has a rich history of absorbing vocabulary from various foreign languages, reflecting centuries of trade, cultural exchange, and colonial influence. These linguistic borrowings have significantly shaped its lexicon:

Sanskrit: Influenced by Hindu-Buddhist religions and trade (1st-14th century). Examples: bahasa (language), raja (king), syurga (heaven), neraka (hell), desa (village).
Arabic: Introduced with Islam (7th century), particularly in religious and philosophical terms. Examples: kitab (book), masjid (mosque), ilmu (knowledge), iman (faith), zakat (almsgiving).
Tamil: Primarily through maritime trade with India. Examples: kedai (shop), mangga (mango), vadai (a type of snack).
Chinese: From trade relations with Chinese merchants. Examples: tauhu (tofu), mi (noodles), lombong (mine).
Portuguese: Resulting from the Portuguese occupation of Malacca in the 16th century. Examples: gereja (church), keju (cheese), jendela (window), almari (cupboard).
Dutch: Borrowings occurred during the Dutch colonial period. Examples: kabin (cabin), sekolah (school), kontrak (contract).
English: Many technical and modern terms were introduced during British colonial rule. Examples: telefon (telephone), komputer (computer), bank, internet, stesen (station).

Language Purism and Modern Shifts

Following Malayan independence and the formation of the Federation, the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) adopted a purist approach to lexicography. This involved moving away from Western loanwords, favoring established roots like Sanskrit and Arabic, and coining new terms from native roots.^[27]

In recent years, Malaysian Malay has also experienced lexical influence from the Indonesian variety, largely due to the popularity of Indonesian mass media such as dramas, soap operas, and music. This phenomenon is akin to the impact of American media on other English varieties, like those in Britain and Australia.^[28]

Modern

Evolving Colloquialisms

Contemporary Malaysian Malay features a dynamic range of colloquialisms and innovative linguistic constructions that may not be familiar to older generations. This evolution reflects the vibrant and adaptive nature of the language in everyday use.

Modern Vocabulary:
- Awek (girl, replacing perempuan)
- Balak (guy, replacing jantan)
- Cun (pretty, replacing cantik / jelita)
New Plural Pronouns: Formed by combining original pronouns with orang (person):
- Korang (kau + orang, "you all", replacing kalian / kamu semua)
- Kitorang (kita + orang, the exclusive "we", replacing kami)
- Diorang (dia + orang, the exclusive "they", replacing mereka)

Linguistic Blending: Bahasa Rojak

A notable characteristic of contemporary Malaysian Malay is the widespread practice of code-switching between English and Malaysian, alongside the integration of novel loanwords. This linguistic blend is often referred to as Bahasa Rojak, a term that metaphorically describes a "mixed language" similar to the local fruit salad dish, rojak.

This phenomenon, while common in informal settings and social media, has drawn considerable displeasure from linguistic purists in Malaysia. These purists advocate for upholding the use of the prescribed standard language, viewing Bahasa Rojak as a deviation from linguistic integrity and national identity.

Arabic Term Variations

In recent times, certain Arabic terms originally used in Standard Malay have seen popular modifications, particularly among local conservative Muslims. These changes involve the addition of words and altered pronunciations, with proponents claiming these versions align more accurately with the Qur'an. These variations are predominantly observed in social media contexts.

Examples of these variations compared to Standard Malay terms:

Ramadhan (holy fasting month) vs. Ramadan
Aamiin (asking Allah to verify prayer) vs. Amin
Fardhu (obligatory in Islam) vs. Fardu
Redha (accepting) vs. Reda
Mudharat (harm) vs. Mudarat
Dhaif (poverty) vs. Daif
Zohor (mid-day or noon time) vs. Zuhur
Hadith (Prophet Mohamed's terms or speeches) vs. Hadis

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References

A full list of references for this article are available at the Malaysian Malay Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

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This is not professional linguistic or cultural advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for consulting official linguistic bodies, academic research, or cultural experts for specific language learning, policy, or cultural understanding needs. Always refer to authoritative sources like the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka for official guidelines and consult with qualified professionals for in-depth analysis. Never disregard professional advice because of something you have read on this website.

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Linguistic Tapestry: Malaysian Malay

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Origins 🌍

📚 Defining a National Tongue

🗣️ A Lingua Franca

🗺️ Geographical Reach

Naming 🏷️

🏛️ The 'Bahasa Melayu' vs. 'Bahasa Malaysia' Discourse

🌐 Regional Standardization

Script ✍️

🅰️ Rumi: The Official Latin Script

☪️ Jawi: A Heritage Arabic Script

Lexicon 📖

📜 Historical Loanwords

✨ Language Purism and Modern Shifts

Modern 💬

🆕 Evolving Colloquialisms

🔄 Linguistic Blending: Bahasa Rojak

🕌 Arabic Term Variations

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Origins

Defining a National Tongue

A Lingua Franca

Geographical Reach

Naming

The 'Bahasa Melayu' vs. 'Bahasa Malaysia' Discourse

Regional Standardization

Script

Rumi: The Official Latin Script

Jawi: A Heritage Arabic Script

Lexicon

Historical Loanwords

Language Purism and Modern Shifts

Modern

Evolving Colloquialisms

Linguistic Blending: Bahasa Rojak

Arabic Term Variations

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice