Language tutor Michelle Chee tells us how to pick up the local lingo in easy, practical steps.

As far as languages go, Bahasa Malaysia (or BM, as the locals call it) is one of the easiest to learn. This is because it doesn’t have past, present or future tenses, and the pronunciations are pretty standard across the board.

Many expats who come to live in Malaysia find that they don’t actually need to learn the local language to survive on a day to day basis, since a large majority of Malaysians speak fluent English. However, some have made the decision to learn based on a desire to understand the local culture and lifestyle.

Learning some rudimentary BM will definitely allow you to navigate around town easier, especially since it allows you to understand signboards or ask for directions if you get lost in a rural area where little English is spoken. If you do take the bold step of learning BM, here are some things you can do to make the learning process easier:

1. Practise, practise, practise – slowly but surely

Whether you’ve just started, or whether you’ve been learning BM for some time, the best way for you to remember anything is by using the language with the locals. So even if you only know one phrase, like ‘Selamat Pagi’ or ‘Terima Kasih’, find the opportunity to use it with your colleagues, friends or even the office cleaning lady.

2. Look out for signboards

As you drive around the city, or when you’re walking, look out for advertisement boards or signboards in Malay. You’ll begin to notice common words like ‘Jalan’, ‘Keluar’, ‘Kedai’ and more. Remember them and do a little research about what they mean. This will help you build your vocabulary faster.

3. The media is your friend

To see how the Malay is used by the locals, it will really help if you can tune in to a Malay radio station or watch a Malay language programme once in a while. You may not understand everything that’s being said, but you can try in the beginning to pick up key words that you’ve already learnt.

4. Find a language partner

It will be great if you can find someone else who’s also leaning Malay, so you can practice speaking. If you’re not too shy, you can partner up with a native speaker who will be able to guide you and give you the relevant advice you need to improve.  Here’s a website where you can practice your Malay by engaging a pen-pal and communicating with them through e-mails and text messages.

5. Don’t just memorise Malay, live it

Although many students begin studying Malay by memorizing words and grammar rules, eventually you’ll have to leave ‘classroom’ Malay and actually use the language to communicate with others. In this case, the streets are your best teacher. Colloquial Malay is rather different from the formal written style, and the only way to learn it is to socialize with native speakers.

6. Set specific goals

Whether you’re learning Malay by yourself or with a tutor, you have to be specific in what you wish to learn. Setting objectives are even more essential if you’re self learning as there aren’t any external factors to push you on – and this is of course true for all new skills, not just languages. Maybe start with one word a day and keep a log of every new achievement.

7. Try a dictionary or translator app

In this age of smart phones, you can always download an English to Malay and vice versa translation app, like this one right here. It will make a world of a difference, especially if you find yourself lost for words in the middle of a conversation, or need to convey that crucial one word you can’t remember.

Finally: relax and have fun!

Studying Malay doesn’t have to be serious and intense all the time. As long as you begin to regard it as a relaxing activity, and not make it about academic accomplishment, your mind will begin to absorb more.

It’s also important to remember that you will make mistakes. So If you find yourself buying things at the Pasar Malam or night market and want to try and use your limited Malay, just go ahead. Don’t worry if the vendor looks at you funny. This is the best way to learn.

There will be a million and one reasons to give up your study of Malay, including things like a busy work schedule or the difficulties in grasping Malay grammar. However, if you push through, you’ll find that at a certain point, the language becomes easier.