Brunei's Cultural Identity: A Rich And Unique Heritage

The culture of Brunei is heavily influenced by Malay culture and Islam, with over two-thirds of the population being ethnically Malay. The country's official language is Standard Malay, though Brunei Malay, English, and Mandarin Chinese are also widely spoken. Islam is the official religion, with Muslims making up over 78% of the population. Brunei adopted Sharia law in 2014, becoming the first country in Southeast Asia to do so. The social beliefs and customs of Brunei are largely shaped by Islamic principles, including the importance of family, respect for elders, modesty in dress and behaviour, and gender relations. Bruneian society is hierarchical, with age and position being revered. The arts, literature, music, and dance, and cuisine of Brunei also reflect the country's cultural influences, blending Malay traditions with Islamic elements to create a unique cultural identity.

Language

The official language of Brunei is Standard Malay, which was established by the signing of the 1959 Constitution. However, the most widely spoken language in the country is Brunei Malay, which differs significantly from Standard Malay in its pronunciation, lexis, and syntax. There are also numerous other Malay dialects spoken by indigenous communities, such as Dayak and Iban, though the usage of these dialects has been declining due to assimilation with the mainstream culture.

English is also widely spoken in Brunei and is used as a language of instruction in secondary and tertiary education. It is taught at both primary and secondary levels in schools and is commonly seen on street signage. English is also used as a business and working language.

Mandarin Chinese is another language that is widely used in Brunei, particularly within the sizable minority Chinese community. While not officially recognised, Mandarin Chinese is taught at certain Chinese-run schools and as an elective subject at the state-run Universiti Brunei Darussalam. Various Chinese dialects, such as Hokkien, are also spoken within the Chinese community, although their usage has been declining in favour of Mandarin among the younger generation.

In addition to these languages, other minority ethnic groups in Brunei speak their own native languages, contributing to the country's rich linguistic diversity.

Religion

Islam is the official religion of Brunei, with over 78% of the population identifying as Muslim. The country's Malay Islamic Monarchy combines Malay culture with the teachings of Islam and a mutual respect between the ruler and subjects. This national philosophy aims to strengthen the sense of identity, unity, and stability, forming the backbone of Bruneian cultural identity.

The Constitution of Brunei states:

> "The religion of Brunei Darussalam shall be the Muslim religion according to the Shafi'i sect of that religion."

The Sultan of Brunei acts as both the political and religious leader of the country and is regarded as the defender of Islam. The national law protects religious freedom, and several other religions are practised, including Buddhism and Christianity. However, non-Muslim places of worship are not allowed to display visible signs of their religion outside their premises and are not permitted to proselytize or attempt to convert others to their faith. Additionally, a non-Muslim woman marrying a Muslim is legally required to convert to Islam.

Islam's influence is evident in Bruneian social customs, such as conservative behaviour and modest dress, with women expected to cover their bodies, leaving only their hands and face exposed in public. Islam also restricts the performance of folk music and dance styles.

Muslims in Brunei must pray five times a day and observe the holy day on Friday, when most businesses and government offices are closed. During the fasting month of Ramadan, working hours are shortened, and entertainment and sports activities are suspended.

Social customs

The social customs of Brunei are heavily influenced by Islam, which is the official religion. The family is the focal point of the social structure, with the extended family being the norm. This includes aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends. Members of the extended family are expected to remain loyal to each other and the family. As a result, Brunei is a hierarchical culture that respects age and position. Children are taught from a young age to put the family first and to respect their elders.

Bruneians are very polite and well-mannered, and they place great importance on maintaining "face", or honour. They are generally indirect in their communication to avoid embarrassing others or causing them to lose face. They tend to avoid displaying emotions such as impatience, anger, or irritation, as these are considered embarrassing.

Islam also influences social customs related to gender relations and modesty. Shaking hands between men and women is rare, and when greeting someone of the opposite sex, it is more common for men to place their right hand over their heart and give a small bow. Women are expected to dress modestly, covering their bodies with only their hands and faces exposed in public.

In terms of dining etiquette, eating and drinking while walking is considered impolite. It is also considered rude to touch someone on the head. When invited to someone's home for dinner, it is customary to bring good quality chocolates or fruit as a gift. Punctuality is not strictly adhered to, and shoes are typically removed before entering a house. It is considered good manners to accept an offer of food or a beverage, and it is customary to wait to be invited to eat before starting. Eating with the left hand is considered unclean, and food is usually eaten with the right hand or with cutlery.

Food

Brunei's national dish is Ambuyat, a flavourless, sticky ball of sago starch, which is wrapped around a bamboo fork and dipped into a spicy and sour gravy. It is often served with other dishes, including ikan goreng (fried fish), pakis or biring (vegetables), hati buyah (cow's lungs), and beef rendang.

Another popular dish is Nasi Katok, which means 'knock rice'. It consists of plain rice, fried chicken, and sambal, a spicy relish made from ground chilli peppers, shrimp paste, garlic, ginger, shallots, scallions, palm sugar, lime juice, vinegar, and anchovies. Nasi Katok is traditionally served wrapped in brown paper and is one of the cheapest meals in the country, costing around BND1.

Bruneian cuisine often includes rice or noodles, with fish and rice being staple foods. Beef is less common due to its high cost. Spices are also prevalent in Bruneian cooking, with dishes often being spicy.

Some other traditional dishes include:

• Wajid Temburong: a delicacy made with glutinous sticky rice, coconut milk, and sugar, cooked to a dark caramel consistency and wrapped in daun nyirik (phyrinium leaves).
• Kueh lenggang: a light, pandan-coloured crepe filled with grated coconut and sugar, rolled into a cylinder.
• Kueh Pancut: small, round cakes covered in shredded coconut, filled with melted palm sugar.
• Kueh koci: a glutinous rice dough filled with toasted, shredded coconut and palm sugar, sometimes also with sweet potatoes or crushed peanuts. It is wrapped in banana leaves and steamed.
• Pulut panggang: a traditional snack of glutinous rice filled with dried shrimp or beef and grated coconut, wrapped in banana leaves and grilled.
• Kelupis: a snack similar to pulut panggang, but steamed instead of grilled, and served with peanut or curry dip.
• Kueh cincin: a popular snack, also known as 'ring cake', made with wheat flour, brown sugar, and red palm sugar, coated in rice flour and fried.
• Tapai: a traditional Malay snack made with fermented rice, sugar, and yeast starter, wrapped in nipah leaves and fermented.
• Keropok Udang: prawn crackers made with minced prawn and starch, seasoned with garlic, salt, and pepper, sun-baked, and then fried.

Brunei also has a variety of drinks, including coconut milk, fruit juice, tea, milk tea, and coffee.

Arts and crafts

Brunei has a unique fusion of Islamic and Asian culture, which is reflected in its traditional arts and crafts. The country has dozens of handicraft shops offering textiles, silver and brass items, and basketry.

Textiles are one of the most impressive crafts made in Brunei. The exquisite gold and silver-threaded textiles known as jongsarat and collectable antique textiles called kain tenunan are popular purchases. The jongsarat is a handmade garment used for weddings and special occasions, typically including a hint of silver and gold. It can also be used for decorative wall coverings.

Silver is a popular element for jewellery and utensils in Brunei. Silversmiths create ornaments, flower vases, and gongs. Silver sheets are imported and crafted into various items, such as the pasigupan, a type of mini pot with a mandala print that holds tobacco. Silver crafting is a means of preserving family traditions and a profitable cottage industry.

In addition to textiles and silverware, Brunei is also known for its basketry, brassware, wood carvings, and asymmetrical daggers. The country's rich past in boat-making and bronze tooling is also evident in its arts and crafts.

The introduction of Islam to Brunei also influenced its artistic landscape, bringing distinct Islamic art forms and cultural priorities. The nation's mosques, for example, offer many examples of Islamic art, including intricate mosaics and gilded copies of the Koran.

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