What Language Do They Speak in Brunei?
Brunei
Brunei, officially known as Brunei Darussalam, is a small, wealthy nation located on the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia. Known for its vast reserves of oil and natural gas, the country enjoys a high standard of living and a rich cultural heritage. With a strong Islamic influence, Brunei is ruled by one of the world's longest-serving monarchs, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, who plays a significant role in all aspects of the government and society.
Languages Spoken
In Brunei, Malay is the dominant language, spoken by approximately 67% of the population. Despite being a multi-lingual society, Malay serves as the official and national language, heavily influencing the cultural and social fabric of the country. English also holds significant importance, spoken by around 10% of the populace. It is widely used in business, education, and in government settings, reflecting Brunei's colonial past and its global engagement. Chinese languages, primarily Mandarin, also constitute about 10% of speakers, representing the ethnic Chinese community in Brunei. Additionally, the country is home to several indigenous languages, spoken by roughly 3% of the population, which include languages of the Bruneian aboriginal groups like Tutong and Dusun. This linguistic diversity highlights Brunei’s rich cultural tapestry and the coexistence of different ethnic communities.
Different Languages Spoken in Brunei
Language data last updated 2024 est. from Wikipedia - Brunei
| Language | Usage |
|---|---|
| Malay | 67% |
| English | 10% |
| Chinese | 10% |
| Indigenous languages | 3% |
Useful Malay Phrases
Selamat pagi
Good morning
Used as a greeting during the morning hours.
Berapa harga ini?
How much does this cost?
A useful phrase for shopping or buying items in local markets.
Di mana tandas?
Where is the toilet?
Essential for asking directions, especially when in public areas.
Saya tidak faham
I don't understand
Helpful when you're struggling with the language and need clarification.
Tolong dan terima kasih
Please and thank you
Polite words to use when making requests and expressing gratitude.
Learn to speak Malay
Interested in speaking Malay in Brunei? Using Lingocat you can learn the basics of the language and start speaking in no time with the help of our AI Language Tutors.