In the 15th Century, the Malay language became the language of trade in the region, which includes Indonesia. Though English has been taught and used extensively in the Malacca Straits Settlements of Georgetown and Malacca, Malay became Malaysia’s  official language, only with its independence on August 31, 1957. I found that learning a few words to be a nice way to show respect and interest when visiting. The rewards I reaped were more than the effort spent, with lovely smiles and friendship the immediate rewards. I’ve recorded my lessons, thoughtfully taught to me by staff  members of the YTL hotels: Cameron Highlands Resort and Majestic Hotel Malaysia. I look forward to practicing these few words when next visiting Indonesia and East Malaysia.

Polite phrases in Malaysian

Selamat Pagi = Good Morning

Selamat Tengoh Hari = Good Afternoon

Selamat Petang =  Good Evening (before dinner)

Selamat Malom = Good Evening (after dinner)

Selamat Tidur = Good Night (after “turndown service”)

Selamat Bertemu = Nice to meet you

Selamat Detang = Welcome

Selamat Jalan = Goodbye

Helo = Hello

Apa Khabar? = How are you?

Khabar Baik = I am well

Telong = Please

Terima Kasih = Thank you

Soma Soma = You’re welcomed

Sarapan pagi = Breakfast

Makon tengah hari = Lunch

Makon Malam = Dinner

Sulta Makon = Have you eaten?

Sulta Bukan = I have eaten already.

Minum = Drink

Makon = Eat

Duduk = Sit

Berdiri = Stand

Kota/Bandar = City

Kuala = River

Melawat = Visit

Terima Kasih Banyak-Banyak = Thank you very much

Ya = Yes

Bukan/Tidak = No

Saya = me

Komu = you

Tumpang Lalu = Excuse me (May I pass?)

Telong Bagi Saya Bil = The check please

Enak Sekali = The food was delicious

Saya amat puas hati = I am satisfied (after eating)

Bagus! = Well done!

Cantik sekali = That is beautiful.

Kami suka itu = I (we) like that.

Hari Yong Bagus = Have a good day!

Jumpa lagi - See you again!

Jom kita beredor sekcrang = Let’s go!

Saya aken pulong lagi = I will return

Signs:

Kuluar = Exit

Tandas = Toilets

Masuk = In

PHOTO:   A painting in the collection of the National Art Gallery in KL.

Title: Yang Teragung, 1989. Artist: Robert Rauschenberg

Nice surprise! His work of art was truly a cross-cultural connection.