Useful Malay Phrases

Malaysia is a country that is made up of various different nationalities and cultures mainly Malay, Malay-Chinese and Malay-Indian. Most of the population can speak English fluently or at least know the main words to get by. The kids are taught English in school from a very early age as it is becoming such a universal language. It is not uncommon to find out that people here can speak 1, 2 or even 3+ different languages.

I have been living in Kuala Lumpur for almost one year now and getting by with just the basics - greetings, how to order food (most important!!) etc. however as I see myself dwelling in this fantastic country for the foreseeable future I thought it would be beneficial to learn Malay. Even though English is widely spoken the Malays still very much speak their own language on a daily basis and amongst each other. 150 million people speak Malay across Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei and Indonesia.

It is said that Malay is one of the more simpler languages to learn as unlike English there are not so many rules and exceptions and also the Malay language comprises of many 'borrowed English words' e.g April - April, Computer - komputer. I have compiled a list of words and phrases that will come in handy for any visitor to this country. The locals will be able to converse with you in English no problem however they are always happy and surprised when foreigners have made the effort even if it is only a handful of words.

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