It is better to learn the formal version first before switching to street version. That way, your understanding of the Malay language will be solid.
Afterall, you are going to read the Malay papers or watch Malay TV programmes to improve your Malay language further. Thats how one improves their language ability, be it Malay, English, Chinese or others.
Besides knowing the formal version, you can be understood not only in Singapore but also in Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei.
For a start, try the CCs or any private language institution that offers Bahasa Malaysia or Bahasa Indonesia. It is like taking up Chinese from native Chinese speaker from China or Taiwan and ultimately you can still be understood in Singapore.
FORUMS
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Learning Bahasa Melayu...
MultiQuote#2 Guest_Hal_*
Posted 20 July 2009 - 12:53 AM
QUOTE(firereaver @ Jul 15 2009, 08:09 PM) 
There are no "reputable" Malay language schools here in Singapore if you're looking for the likes of Alliance Francaise or Goethe Institut. The closest you can go to are the CCs.
However, the Malay language taught in schools are only formal Malay and no one speaks that as a mother tongue or in the streets or even to the elders. It is purely used in the media. Speaking such a Malay would only land you some weird looks by others.
Take note that formal language in a non-English language is unlike formal English where it's still basically spoken normally without receiving weird looks (e.g. would you like some tea?). Formal in a non-English language is like really formal, some even close to literature style.
It is best to learn the vocabulary and the way it is spoken by Malay speakers. Of course, the language (like all other languages) is now really tainted with too much slang and foreign usage so it's best not to imitate too much on how the Malays speak it (depends on who you talk to actually).
So basically am I right to say I foresee no real use of learning formal Malay unless I'm planning to write a novel in Malay or something? Very much unlike formal English or let's say French? So would it suffice to say that learning from Malay friends is adequate if my goal is just for communication with the everyday average Malay speaker? Or would you recommend that I head to one of the CCs for their classes? Much thanks!
#3
firere... 
- Advanced Member
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Posted 15 July 2009 - 08:09 PM
QUOTE(Hal @ Jul 14 2009, 01:06 AM)
Hi there. Old question but no definitive replies yet. I'm interested in learning Malay. Always have been and I picked it up in sec3 and 4 but I've forgotten most if not everything by now. (I can count till 10 though.
) So... are there any reputable language schools that teach Malay?There are no "reputable" Malay language schools here in Singapore if you're looking for the likes of Alliance Francaise or Goethe Institut. The closest you can go to are the CCs.
However, the Malay language taught in schools are only formal Malay and no one speaks that as a mother tongue or in the streets or even to the elders. It is purely used in the media. Speaking such a Malay would only land you some weird looks by others.
Take note that formal language in a non-English language is unlike formal English where it's still basically spoken normally without receiving weird looks (e.g. would you like some tea?). Formal in a non-English language is like really formal, some even close to literature style.
It is best to learn the vocabulary and the way it is spoken by Malay speakers. Of course, the language (like all other languages) is now really tainted with too much slang and foreign usage so it's best not to imitate too much on how the Malays speak it (depends on who you talk to actually).
#4 Guest_Hal_*
Posted 14 July 2009 - 01:06 AM
Hi there. Old question but no definitive replies yet. I'm interested in learning Malay. Always have been and I picked it up in sec3 and 4 but I've forgotten most if not everything by now. (I can count till 10 though. ) So... are there any reputable language schools that teach Malay?
) So... are there any reputable language schools that teach Malay?
#9
hiccup
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- Group: Members
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- Joined: 04-December 04
Posted 18 March 2008 - 10:58 PM
Susa...mati now. I need help from Melayu expert.
I have a piece of 250 English words letter addressing to a Malaysia company for job application. Can anybody help me to translate to Bahasa Melayu?
Thousands of thanks-thanks-thanks-thanks
I have a piece of 250 English words letter addressing to a Malaysia company for job application. Can anybody help me to translate to Bahasa Melayu?
Thousands of thanks-thanks-thanks-thanks
.:: 太 上 老 君 急 急 如 律 令 ::.
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