Definition

bahasa kebangsaan noun 1. The national language; specifically, the standardized form of the Malay language as designated and used in Malaysia.

Usage Notes

• bahasa kebangsaan is a Malay term borrowed into English, primarily used in academic, political, or formal contexts when discussing language policy, national identity, or sociolinguistics in Malaysia.
• In English texts, it is often italicized to indicate its status as a foreign term.
• It specifically refers to the official, standardized variety of Malay in Malaysia, distinguishing it from other Malay dialects or the national languages of other countries (e.g., in Indonesia).

Examples

• The constitution of Malaysia establishes bahasa kebangsaan as the official language of the country.
• A key policy after independence was the promotion of bahasa kebangsaan in education and administration.
• Scholars study the development of bahasa kebangsaan as a unifying force in a multilingual nation.

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used in discussions about language planning, where bahasa kebangsaan is seen as a tool for national integration.
• It may appear in contrast with terms like (market Malay) or (standard language).

Variants and Related Words

• Bahasa Malaysia: A common synonym and the official name for the language in Malaysia since 2007. Often used interchangeably with bahasa kebangsaan.
• Malay: The general name for the language family. bahasa kebangsaan is a specific national variety of Malay.
• National language: The direct English translation of the term.

Synonyms

• Bahasa Malaysia
• Malaysian Malay
• Standard Malay (in the Malaysian context)

Related Phrases

• Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka: The official regulatory body for bahasa kebangsaan in Malaysia.
• Kongres Bahasa dan Persuratan Melayu: Historical congresses that were pivotal in standardizing bahasa kebangsaan.

Noun

1. the Malay language spoken in Malaysia