Brunei's Welcoming Traditions: A Cultural Guide

The Sultanate of Brunei, officially known as Brunei Darussalam, is a small, peaceful nation on the island of Borneo, known for its serene landscapes and rich cultural heritage. It is a country where tradition and modernity blend seamlessly, offering visitors a unique experience.

Brunei is one of the richest nations in Asia, with the world's wealthiest monarch at its helm. The country has no personal taxes, and citizens benefit from free healthcare and education, as well as subsidised housing and cars. The nation's wealth stems from its abundant oil and gas reserves, which have transformed it into an industrialised country.

Brunei is predominantly Muslim, with Islam as the state religion. The country's cultural and religious tapestry is reflected in its festivals, including Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Hari Raya Aidiladha, Maulidur Rasul, National Day, the Sultan's Birthday, Chinese New Year, and Christmas.

The official language of Brunei is Malay, with English widely spoken as a business and working language. The country is home to a diverse range of ethnic groups, including Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous communities.

Brunei's capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, is a great place to start exploring. Visitors can marvel at the stunning architecture of the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, wander through the traditional wooden houses of the Kampong Ayer (Water Village), and immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of the Tamu Kianggeh Market.

Beyond the capital, Brunei offers serene beaches, lush rainforests, and pristine national parks. The Ulu Temburong National Park, known as the Green Jewel of Brunei, is a must-visit for nature lovers, with its canopy walkway offering breathtaking views.

With its blend of cultural and natural attractions, Brunei welcomes visitors to discover its peaceful abode.

Brunei's official language is Malay, but English is widely spoken and understood

Brunei's official language is Standard Malay, which was established in 1959 with the signing of the country's constitution. However, English is also widely spoken and understood, with a majority of the population speaking the language. It is used in business and official dealings and is the language of instruction in secondary and tertiary education.

The use of Standard Malay and Brunei Malay can be described under the concept of diglossia, with Standard Malay being used in formal domains such as teaching and official speeches, while Brunei Malay is used in informal settings like conversations between friends and in local shops.

The bilingual system of education was introduced in 1985, with English as the medium of instruction for most subjects from the fourth year of primary school onwards. In 2008, the new SPN21 education system was introduced, and from then on, maths and science have been taught in English from the start of primary school, further establishing the role of English in the country.

The language of the courts is mainly English, and while formal English is based on British English, American English is having an increasing influence, leading to Brunei English becoming distinct.

Islam is the state religion, but other religions are tolerated

Islam is the state religion of Brunei, but other religions are tolerated. The country's constitution, written in 1959, guarantees the right of non-Muslims to practise their faith. However, celebrations and prayers must be confined to places of worship and private residences.

Brunei has a rich history and was once the seat of the Malay Empire. The country is a melting pot of international languages due to its history of European invasion. The official language is Standard Malay, but English is widely used as a business and working language, as well as in secondary and tertiary education. Other languages spoken in Brunei include Chinese, Indian, and native languages spoken by minority ethnic groups.

The Bruneian society is hierarchical, with age and position revered. The family is the focal point of the social structure, and children are taught to subjugate their desires for the good of the family and to respect their elders. Maintaining "face" is of utmost importance, and Bruneians are very polite and well-mannered. They tend to communicate indirectly to avoid embarrassing others or causing them to lose face.

Brunei practises a devout but tolerant brand of Islam. Muslims must pray five times a day and everything closes on Fridays, the Muslim holy day. During the fasting month of Ramadan, government staff work a six-hour day, and entertainment and sporting activities are suspended. Alcohol is banned in the country, but pork is allowed for non-Muslims.

Brunei has a diverse religious makeup, with approximately 67% of the population identifying as Muslim, 13% as Buddhist, 10% as Christian, and 10% practising other religions, including indigenous beliefs.

Brunei is a constitutional absolute monarchy ruled by the Sultan, who is the world's richest monarch

Brunei is a constitutional absolute monarchy ruled by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, who is the world's longest-reigning current monarch and, according to some sources, the richest.

Hassanal Bolkiah became sultan in 1967 and led the country to independence from the United Kingdom in 1984. He is the 29th sultan in a family line that dates back to 1405. As an absolute monarch, he holds full executive authority, including emergency powers. He also serves as the prime minister, finance minister, and defence minister.

The sultan regularly allocates land lots and housing to deserving residents and provides free healthcare, education, and pensions, along with access to social housing and cheap loans. Citizens do not pay income tax. The country's wealth comes from its extensive petroleum and natural gas fields, making it vulnerable to fluctuations in oil prices. The sultan's ministers are less popular than he is, and there is no elected parliament or freedom of the press.

Brunei has a population of around 450,000 and is located on the island of Borneo, bordering the South China Sea and completely surrounded by the Malaysian state of Sarawak. The capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, is home to around 180,000 people. The official language is Malay, and the state religion is Islam, although other religions are tolerated.

Brunei has one of the world's highest standards of living, and the sultan is said to be very popular. However, the introduction of strict Islamic Sharia law in 2014, which allows for harsh punishments such as stoning for adultery and amputation for theft, has led to international condemnation.

Brunei has a rich history, including being the seat of the Malay Empire and the subject of European invasions

Brunei has a rich and complex history, with a past that includes being the seat of the Malay Empire and the target of European invasions.

The Malay Empire, also known as the Bruneian Empire, was at its peak during the reign of Sultan Bolkiah from 1485 to 1528. During this time, the empire is said to have controlled most of Borneo, including modern-day Sarawak and Sabah, as well as the Sulu archipelago and the islands off the northwestern tip of Borneo. Some scholars also claim that the Bruneian Empire historically controlled Seludong, the site of modern-day Manila in the Philippines.

However, the Bruneian Empire began to decline in the 19th century, with the Sultanate ceding territories to European powers. This decline was accelerated by the arrival of Western powers such as the Spanish in Luzon and Visayas, and the British in Labuan, Sarawak, and North Borneo. The Sultanate lost significant territory, particularly to James Brooke, who became known as the White Rajah of Sarawak.

The Brunei Civil War, which lasted from 1660 to 1673, further contributed to the empire's decline. During this period, there was also a brief war with Spain, known as the Castilian War, which resulted in the temporary evacuation of the Bruneian capital.

In the late 19th century, as European colonial expansion intensified, the Bruneian Empire's territory continued to shrink. The Sultanate ceded more land to the Brookes, leading to its current small landmass and separation into two parts. In 1888, facing increasing pressure from European powers, the Sultanate signed the "Treaty of Protection" with the British, becoming a British protectorate until it gained independence in 1984.

Despite these challenges, Brunei has a long and resilient history, with a rich cultural heritage that reflects its diverse influences over the centuries.

The Bruneian family is the extended family, and includes aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends

The Bruneian family is the core of the country's social structure. The family unit is extended and includes aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends. Loyalty to the family is paramount, and children are taught from a young age to subjugate their desires for the family's benefit and to respect their elders. This hierarchical structure, with age and position revered, permeates Bruneian society and culture.

The extended family is a source of support for Bruneians, and they accomplish their goals with the help of their relatives. This interdependence fosters a sense of collectivism, where the needs of the family supersede individual desires. This dynamic is reflected in Bruneian communication styles, which are typically indirect and ambiguous to outsiders. Bruneians prioritise maintaining "face" and avoiding conflict or embarrassment, which could jeopardise relationships.

The role of family is also evident in Bruneian etiquette and customs. For example, punctuality is not strictly adhered to, and it is customary to bring gifts like chocolates or fruit when invited to someone's home. These gifts are offered with the right hand only or both hands if the item is large.

The concept of family extends beyond blood relations, as the Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah, acts as the head of state and absolute monarch. He is revered, and criticism of the royal family can lead to jail time. The Sultan allocates land and housing to deserving residents, contributing to the high standard of living in the country.

In summary, the Bruneian family is a broad concept that encompasses not only blood relatives but also close friends and the monarch. Loyalty, respect, and interdependence are key tenets of this extended family structure, shaping various aspects of Bruneian society, from communication styles to customs and etiquette.

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