Mastering Brunei Language: A Guide To Learning The Local Tongue

The official language of Brunei is Standard Malay, which was established in 1959 with the signing of the country's constitution. Malay is spoken by the majority of the population, but there are several other languages used in Brunei, including English, Chinese, Indian, and native languages spoken by minority ethnic groups. If you're looking to learn the language of Brunei, you'll be happy to know that there are many resources available, including dictionaries, grammar guides, and language courses. Learning the local language can be a great way to connect with the people and culture of Brunei, and it can also be a valuable skill for business and education.

Learn basic greetings in Brunei Malay

The official language of Brunei is Standard Malay, which was established in 1959 with the signing of the Brunei 1959 Constitution. Malay is also the national language of Brunei, and it is widely spoken in Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia.

Standard Malay is used in formal contexts such as teaching and official speeches, while Brunei Malay is used in informal settings like conversations between friends and in local shops.

• Assalamualaikum – This Arabic greeting, which means 'peace be upon you', is a respectful way to greet locals, especially when greeting another Muslim. The response to this greeting is mualaikumsalam, which means 'peace also be with you'. Alternatively, you can simply say salam.
• Selamat is a versatile word that can be used to express wishes of safety, happiness, or peace. It is often used in greetings, followed by a time-based phrase:
• Selamat pagi – Good morning
• Selamat tengah hari – Good afternoon
• Selamat petang – Good afternoon/evening
• Selamat malam – Good evening
• Apa kabar – How are you?
• Kabar baik – I'm fine/well
• Terima kasih – Thank you
• Selamat tinggal – Goodbye (if you are the one leaving)
• Selamat jalan – Goodbye (if the other person is leaving)

When greeting a group, always greet the eldest person first as a sign of respect. Younger people should also bow their heads slightly when greeting someone older.

Learn the Brunei Malay alphabet and pronunciation

The official language of Brunei is Standard Malay, which is written in both the Latin alphabet (Rumi) and the Arabic alphabet (Jawi). Malay was previously written in Jawi script but switched to the Latin alphabet around 1941.

If you're looking to learn Brunei Malay, it's worth noting that it is quite different from Standard Malay. There are several resources available to help you learn the Brunei Malay alphabet and pronunciation, including dictionaries, grammar guides, and pronunciation guides. Here are some tips to get you started:

• Familiarise yourself with the basic Brunei Malay alphabet. The Latin alphabet used in Brunei Malay consists of 26 letters, including the five vowels: a, e, i, o, and u.
• Practice pronouncing the vowels. In Brunei Malay, these vowels are typically pronounced as "ah," "eh," "ee," "oh," and "oo," respectively.
• Learn the consonant sounds. Consonants in Brunei Malay are generally pronounced similarly to their English counterparts, but there may be some variations depending on the letter combinations. For example, the letter "c" is typically pronounced like "ch" in words like "cinta" (love).
• Pay attention to accent and intonation. Brunei Malay has a distinct accent and intonation patterns that may differ from other languages you know. Listen to native speakers and try to imitate their pronunciation and intonation as closely as possible.
• Start with basic phrases. Begin by learning common phrases such as "Selamat pagi" (good morning), "apa khabar" (how are you? – formal), and "apa abarnya" (how are you? – informal). This will help you get a feel for the language and how it is spoken in context.
• Use audio and video resources. Take advantage of online audio and video resources, such as pronunciation guides and language learning videos. These can provide you with a more interactive and immersive learning experience, helping you to improve your pronunciation and comprehension skills.
• Practice with native speakers. If possible, find opportunities to practice speaking Brunei Malay with native speakers. This could be through language exchange programmes, online language learning communities, or even during a visit to Brunei.
• Immerse yourself in the language. Surround yourself with Brunei Malay as much as possible. Listen to Brunei Malay music, watch Brunei movies or TV shows, and read Brunei Malay books or news articles. The more you expose yourself to the language, the easier it will be to pick up on the alphabet, pronunciation, and vocabulary.

Remember that learning a new language takes time and practice. Be patient with yourself and enjoy the process of discovering the unique aspects of Brunei Malay.

Learn common phrases in Brunei Malay

Learning common phrases in Brunei Malay is a great way to get started with the language and will come in handy when visiting the country. The official language of Brunei is Standard Malay, but the local dialect, Brunei Malay, is the most widely spoken language. It is also the socially dominant language, used for daily communication, and is replacing the minority languages of Brunei.

• 'Assalamualaikum' is a respectful greeting in Arabic, meaning 'peace be upon you'. The response is 'mualaikumsalam', which means 'peace also be with you'.
• 'Selamat pagi' means 'good morning'.
• 'Selamat petang' means 'good afternoon'.
• 'Selamat malam' means 'good evening'.
• 'Jumpa lagi' means 'see you later'.
• 'Apa kabar' means 'how are you?' and is used in formal settings.
• 'Apa abarnya' is the informal way to ask 'how are you?'.
• 'Makan sudah' means 'have you eaten?' and is a common greeting.
• 'Apa ada' means 'what's up'.

When greeting someone in Brunei, it is important to consider their ethnic origin and age. Generally, men have adopted the Western custom of shaking hands, but this is not always the case with older men or women. Ethnic Malay men shake hands with each other, but traditionally, men and women do not. Younger people may shake hands with foreign women or simply bow their heads. It is respectful to bow your head when greeting someone who is senior to you in age or position.

Understand the role of language in Bruneian culture

Language plays a significant role in Bruneian culture, with Standard Malay being the official language of the country. Malay was established as the national language in the 1959 Constitution, reflecting its centrality to the nation's identity as an Islamic Malay Monarchy. The use of Malay in Brunei can be understood through the concept of diglossia, where Standard Malay is employed in formal contexts like teaching and official speeches, while Brunei Malay, the local dialect, is used in informal settings like conversations with friends or in shops.

The choice of language in Brunei is influenced by the context and relationship between speakers. For instance, when greeting locals, using phrases like 'assalamualaikum' (peace be upon you in Arabic) is respectful and meaningful, especially when greeting fellow Muslims. At different times of the day, greetings vary from 'selamat pagi' (good morning) to 'selamat petang' (good afternoon) and 'selamat malam' (good evening).

Brunei's history as a melting pot of international languages has resulted in a diverse linguistic landscape. English is widely used in business and education, with all school children exposed to English through the bilingual education system. It is also the language of court proceedings and official documents. The increasing influence of American English is shaping the distinct variety of English spoken in Brunei.

The Chinese minority in Brunei speaks various dialects, including Hokkien, Cantonese, and Hakka, while Mandarin is used as the language of instruction in some Chinese schools. Arabic, being the language of the Quran, is taught in religious schools, and all Muslim children are required by law to attend these schools. Additionally, indigenous languages like Dusun, Bisaya, and Murut are recognised, although they are under threat of extinction due to the expanding use of Brunei Malay.

The role of language in Bruneian culture is deeply intertwined with social norms and values. Bruneians value maintaining "face," resulting in indirect communication styles to avoid embarrassing others. They are also known for their politeness and well-mannered behaviour, which aligns with their hierarchical culture that reveres age and position.

In conclusion, language in Brunei is shaped by its history, cultural values, and religious influences. The use of Malay, English, Chinese dialects, Arabic, and indigenous languages reflects the diverse and dynamic nature of Bruneian culture.

Practice with native speakers or language exchange partners

One of the best ways to learn the Brunei language is to practice with native speakers or language exchange partners. Here are some tips to get you started:

Finding Language Exchange Partners

Firstly, you can find native speakers or language exchange partners by joining language exchange groups, either online or in your local community. There are many websites and apps that connect language learners with native speakers, such as iTalki, HelloTalk, and Tandem. You can also search for Brunei language groups on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. Additionally, you can look for cultural centres, community centres, or language schools in your area that offer language exchange programmes or conversation groups.

Practicing with Native Speakers

Once you've found a language exchange partner or a native speaker to practice with, here are some tips to make the most of your conversations:

• Start with basic phrases and greetings: Begin by learning how to introduce yourself, ask basic questions, and use common greetings in Brunei. This will help you build a foundation for further conversation. Some examples include "Apa khabar?" (How are you?), "Selamat pagi" (Good morning), and "Jumpa lagi" (See you later).
• Focus on pronunciation and intonation: Brunei Malay has distinct pronunciation and intonation patterns. For example, it shares more phonetic features with Indonesian than Malaysian Malay, including rhoticity (the presence of [r] sounds at the end of words). Practice listening to native speakers and imitate their intonation patterns.
• Use a mixture of Standard Malay and Brunei Malay: In Brunei, Standard Malay is used in formal contexts, such as teaching and official speeches, while Brunei Malay is used in informal settings. To improve your fluency, it's important to practice both varieties.
• Engage in conversations about a variety of topics: Try to have conversations about different topics, such as daily life, culture, food, and current events. This will help you expand your vocabulary and improve your ability to express yourself in different situations.
• Ask for feedback and corrections: Don't be afraid to make mistakes—they are a natural part of the learning process. Ask your conversation partner to correct your pronunciation, grammar, or word choice when needed. You can also record your conversations and listen back to identify areas for improvement.
• Share your own language: Language exchange partnerships are often mutually beneficial. If your conversation partner is interested in learning your native language, offer to help them as well. This can create a more balanced and enjoyable learning experience for both of you.
• Be consistent and patient: Learning a language takes time and consistent practice. Try to have regular conversations with your language partners and don't get discouraged by setbacks. Remember that language learning is a journey, and each conversation will bring you closer to your goal of fluency.

By following these tips and actively engaging in conversations with native speakers or language exchange partners, you'll be well on your way to improving your Brunei language skills and gaining a deeper understanding of the culture.

Frequently asked questions