Speak Malay

Bahasa Malaysia or Malay language is the national language and taught to everyone in school. However, more than one

language is spoken in daily life, which normally is in accordance to one’s race. For instance, Malay is spoken by the Malays,

Tamil by Indians  and Mandarin and the various Chinese Dialects by the Chinese. There is even a form of 16^th-century

Portuguese known as Christang spoken by Eurasians of Portuguese descendants in Melaka. English has been adopted by many

Malaysians and used frequently alongside their own language for daily communication. It is very common now among the

Malaysian Chinese to add a English or European name to their Chinese name. The Orang Asli (Original People) or indigenous

peoples of Peninsula and Borneo Malaysia all have their own distinct language. Thus, a typical Malaysian would know the Malay

Language, the language of their race or some English. (See Manglish Link) The need to know some Malay become more apparent

when you travel to the outskirts and country side of Malaysia, where many of the local Malays speak only Malay. In major cities

and most towns, English usage is common. If all else fails, universal sign language can be used.

Commonly Used Malay Words and Phrases

Numbers

Greetings

Salutations

Common phrases

Reading Signs

Day & Time

Travel Questions

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