Malaysia is a nation that’s as multicultural as it is multilingual! Whether you’re strolling through Kuala Lumpur’s busy streets or island-hopping in Langkawi, you’ll be surrounded by a vibrant mix of languages spoken by the locals. From Malay and English to Chinese dialects and Tamil, Malaysia’s linguistic landscape is as vibrant as its culture. If you’re thinking of visiting this lively destination, knowing a little something about the languages used here can really enhance your experience. Malay is the official language of Malaysia, and it was formerly known as Bahasa Malaysia. Now it is popularly referred to as Malaysian Malay or Malay and is spoken by the majority of the citizens. Let’s take a look at the languages of Malaysia and see how this stunning nation gets its point across, because while in Malaysia, it’s all about engaging with the locals in their own special way!

Languages In Malaysia

Malay: National Language of Malaysia

The most commonly spoken language in the country is Malay. It is also officially called Bahasa Malaysia. Being the national language of the country, it is spoken widely by 80 percent of its people. There is a mixture of ten distinct dialects of this language used all over the country. Out of all these numerous dialects, Bahasa Indonesia is familiar to the southern Malay Peninsula. Malay emerged as the most prominent and extensively spoken by the population. Additionally, the national anthem of Malaysia is composed in the national language.

English: Most Commonly Spoken Language in Malaysia

After Malaysia, English is the second most widely used language in Malaysia. It is the main medium of education, communication, and government houses widely in Malaysia. The exams are conducted here and are all in British English. English is widely spoken in the field of international business to settle deals. It has also been instrumental in building valuable relations among various cultural groups and has improved to bring harmony. There has also been an abrupt increase in English speakers, with about half of the population now literate in the language. Hence, English has become one of the most integral and important languages of Malaysia.

Chinese

Traditional Chinese, or Mandarin, and its modified Malaysian dialect appear beneath the category of Malaysian Chinese and are used by a lot of the country’s population. About ninety-three percent of Chinese families living in Kuala Lumpur can speak Mandarin. Additionally, they are also well versed in some of its modified dialects. However, Mandarin is usually used by the Chinese residing in Malaysia; Hokkien is the most common dialect spoken all over the country.

Tamil

Does this come to you as a surprise? A large portion of Indians who are a part of the Malaysian population are fluent in Tamil, as it is their native language. There are more than five hundred Tamil-medium schools opened all over the country. Other South Asian languages in Malaysia that you will come across widely are Bengali, Hindi, Punjabi, Malayalam, and Telugu.

Indigenous Languages in Malaysia

Kazadandusuns and Iban are the most extensively used indigenous languages in Malaysia. This language is known by the people in Sarawak. These two languages have also manifested into their own educational syllabuses in the country. Apart from these two, there are above thirty native groupings. Each language has its own dialects that are on the verge of extinction right now.

Whether you’re haggling in a local market, sipping a cup of teh tarik, or discovering Malaysia’s breathtaking landscapes, learning about its rich tapestry of languages can make your experience all the more memorable. As the official language is Malay and English is spoken extensively, travelling around is a cinch. But don’t miss out on experiencing the distinctive dialects and cultures that make Malaysia a true melting pot! If you’re keen to see and do it all, why not look into Malaysia tour packages? They’ll put you in the thick of things, so you can get the most out of the languages, the cuisine, and the beautiful sights that make Malaysia a must-see place!

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