Expressing Gratitude In Brunei: A Guide To Saying "Thank You

Brunei is a melting pot of international languages due to its rich history as the seat of the Malay Empire and the subject of European invasions. The official language is Standard Malay, but English is widely spoken as a second language and is used in business and as the language of instruction in secondary and tertiary education. Other languages spoken in Brunei include Chinese, Indian, and native languages of minority ethnic groups. Malay is used to say 'terima kasih' for 'thank you', but in Brunei, the 'h' is often dropped, so it is pronounced 'terimah kasih'.

'Terima kasih' is Malay for 'thank you'

The official language of Brunei is Standard Malay, which was established in 1959 with the signing of the Brunei 1959 Constitution. As such, the way to say "thank you" in Brunei is "terima kasih", which is Malay for "thank you".

English is also widely spoken in Brunei as a second language, and it is used as the language of instruction in secondary and tertiary education. It is also common for business and work purposes. However, Malay remains the official language, and so "terima kasih" is the correct way to say "thank you" in Brunei.

When visiting Brunei, it is important to be aware of the cultural norms and practices. Bruneian society is hierarchical, with a focus on family and extended family, including aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends. Respect for elders is highly valued, and children are taught to subjugate their desires for the good of the family and to respect their elders without question. Maintaining "face" is also crucial, and Bruneians are generally very polite and well-mannered.

In terms of greetings, the common greeting depends on the ethnic origin and age of the person. Ethnic Malay men typically shake hands with one another, but men and women do not usually shake hands. Younger Bruneians may shake hands with foreign women or simply bow their heads in greeting. It is respectful to bow your head when greeting someone who is senior to you in age or position.

When invited to a Bruneian home, it is considered an honour and a testament to your personal relationship. It is customary to bring good quality chocolates or fruit as a gift, ensuring that any food items are 'halal'. It is also important to note that Bruneians generally do not invite foreigners into their homes, so an invitation should be seen as a special gesture.

English is widely spoken in Brunei

To say "thank you" in Brunei, you say "terima kasih" in Malay, the country's official language. However, English is also widely spoken in Brunei.

English is the primary language used in business and official dealings in Brunei. It is also the language of instruction in secondary and tertiary education. Since 1985, English has been the medium of instruction for most subjects from the fourth year of primary school onwards. In 2009, a new rule mandated the use of English in teaching mathematics and science from the beginning of primary school.

The Borneo Bulletin, an English-language newspaper, circulates in Brunei. The education system in Brunei is bilingual, and English is one of the important languages of instruction in the country's educational institutions.

Brunei was a British protectorate from 1888 until it became independent in 1984, when it joined ASEAN. English became widely used, even though Brunei Malay continues to be the main language that is spoken. All educated people in Brunei are proficient in English.

There are various features that make Brunei English distinct. For example, the consonant at the start of words like "thin" and "thank" tends to be pronounced as [t] rather than [θ]. There is also some variation in Brunei English arising from the ethnicity of speakers. For instance, undergraduates at the University of Brunei Darussalam can identify whether a fellow undergraduate is Malay or Chinese based on 10 seconds of spoken English with an accuracy of about 74%.

Malay is the official language of Brunei

English is also widely spoken in Brunei as a second language. It is used as a business and working language and is the language of instruction in secondary and tertiary education. However, Malay remains the official language, and you will hear it used in many contexts throughout the country.

When greeting people in Brunei, it is respectful to say 'assalamualaikum', which means 'peace be upon you' in Arabic. The response to this greeting is 'mualaikumsalam', meaning 'peace also be with you'. At different times of the day, you would greet people by saying 'selamat pagi' (good morning), 'selamat petang' (good afternoon), or 'selamat malam' (good evening). To ask someone how they are doing, you can say 'apa khabar' in a formal setting or 'apa abarnya' informally.

If you want to express your gratitude and say "thank you" in Brunei, the phrase you are looking for is "terima kasih".

Bruneians are very polite and well-mannered

In Brunei, the family is the focal point of the social structure. The Bruneian family is an extended family that includes aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends. Members of the extended family are expected to remain loyal to each other and the family. This loyalty, along with the fact that children are taught from a young age to subjugate their desires for the good of the family, contributes to Bruneians being very polite and well-mannered.

As a result of the importance of family and the loyalty expected of its members, Brunei is a hierarchical culture. Age and position are revered, and elders are respected without question. This respect for elders is reflected in the common greeting, which depends on the age and ethnic origin of the person. For example, it is considered respectful to bow one's head when greeting someone senior in age or position.

The role of "face," shame, and honour is also crucial to Bruneians, and they are careful to avoid causing issues that could jeopardise their reputation. To maintain face, Bruneians tend to communicate indirectly, which can seem ambiguous to those from cultures where direct communication is the norm. By being indirect, Bruneians avoid embarrassing others and protect their relationships. This indirect communication style also helps to avoid expressions of impatience, anger, or irritation, which are considered embarrassing and could result in a loss of face and disharmony.

In addition to their family-centric culture and emphasis on maintaining face, Bruneians are predominantly Muslim, and their lives revolve around the duties and principles of Islam. This includes a devout but tolerant practice that allows other faiths and beliefs. The combination of these factors—the importance of family, respect for elders, maintaining face, and adherence to Islamic principles—contributes to Bruneians being known for their politeness and good manners.

When expressing gratitude in Brunei, the official language, Standard Malay, is used. "Terima kasih" is the phrase used to say "thank you," although the "h" is often dropped in Brunei, resulting in "terimah kasih."

Bruneian society is hierarchical

To say "thank you" in Brunei, the phrase is "terima kasih". Now, onto Bruneian society:

The role of the family in Bruneian society is also closely tied to the country's predominant religion, Islam. Most Bruneians are Muslims, and their lives revolve around the duties and practices of their faith. For example, Muslims must pray five times a day, and the holy day of Friday is observed as a day of rest, with businesses and government offices typically closed. During the fasting month of Ramadan, working hours are shortened, and entertainment and sporting activities are suspended. Additionally, gender relations are governed by Islamic principles and etiquette, and shaking hands across genders is rare.

Brunei's hierarchical culture also extends to business and social etiquette. Greetings are generally formal and demonstrate respect and deference, especially towards those who are older or hold a higher position. Titles are important and can be quite lengthy, with some indicating a relation to the royal family. Business cards are exchanged with respect, and it is considered a breach of etiquette to write on someone's business card in their presence. When meeting with Bruneian counterparts in a business setting, it is important to advise them in advance of who will be attending the meeting so they can organise counterparts at the same level.

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