Definition

bahasa melayu (noun) 1. The Malay language spoken in Malaysia: This term refers specifically to the standardized form of the Malay language used as the official language of Malaysia. It is a standardized register of the Malay language within the Austronesian language family.

Usage

• bahasa melayu is used as a proper noun to name the national language of Malaysia. It is often used in academic, formal, and official contexts to distinguish this specific standardized variety from other Malay dialects or the Indonesian language ().

Examples

• The official language of Malaysia is bahasa melayu.
• Students in Malaysian schools are required to learn bahasa melayu.
• The document was translated into bahasa melayu for local readers.

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used in linguistic discussions to specify the Malaysian standard, as in: "The phonology of bahasa melayu differs slightly from that of bahasa Indonesia."
• In historical contexts, it may be used to refer to the classical literary language, though "Classical Malay" is a more precise term for that.

Variants and Related Words

• Malay (noun): A broader term that can refer to the Malay ethnic group, the Malay language in general (including its many dialects), or things pertaining to the Malay world.
• Bahasa Malaysia (noun): An alternative official name for the same language, emphasizing its national status. The terms and are often used interchangeably in official contexts.
• Bahasa Indonesia (noun): The standardized form of Malay used as the official language of Indonesia.

Synonyms

• Malay language (when referring specifically to the Malaysian standard)
• Bahasa Malaysia

Notes

• The phrase bahasa melayu literally means "Malay language" in Malay. When used in an English text, it is typically not italicized.
• It is distinct from other Malayic languages and dialects spoken in Brunei, Singapore, Indonesia, and southern Thailand.

Noun

1. the Malay language spoken in Malaysia