Malay language history. The oldest form of Malay is descended .
Malay language history. There are also about 170 million people who speak Indonesian, which is a form of Malay. The Malay language, known locally as “Bahasa Melayu,” is a fascinating and richly layered language spoken by millions across Southeast Asia. Malay, known as Bahasa Melayu, is a significant language in Southeast Asia, playing a crucial role in communication, culture, trade, and politics in the region. -700 c. The oldest form of Malay is descended Malay was first used in the first millennia known as Old Malay, a part of the Austronesian language family. 2% of the country's citizens. Moreover, Old Malay remained in use as a written language in Sumatra right up to the end of 14th century, evidenced from Bukit Gombak inscription dated 1357 and Tanjung Tanah manuscript of Adityavarman era (1347-1375). The earliest known inscriptions in Malay were found in southern Sumatra and on the island of Bangka and Apr 25, 2023 · Dive into the rich history of Filipino and Tagalog with our comprehensive guide. [2] In addition, Malaysian Chinese make up the second-largest community of overseas Chinese globally, after Thai Chinese. Of the various dialects of Malay, the most important is that of the southern Malay Peninsula, the basis of standard Malay and of the official language of the Republic of Indonesia, Bahasa Indonesia, or Indonesian. From its origins in the Austronesian language family to its development through Indian, Chinese, Islamic, and European influences, the Malay language has evolved and adapted over centuries. As the official language of Malaysia and Brunei, and one of the official languages in Singapore and Indonesia (where it is known as Bahasa Indonesia, a standardized variety), its influence spans over various islands and peninsulas Jun 14, 2024 · Language is closely tied to national identity and sovereignty. The Laguna Copperplate Inscription, the earliest-known document found in the Philippines was written in a The language of the Peranakans, Baba Malay (Bahasa Melayu Baba) or Peranakan Malay, is a creole language related to the Malay language (Bahasa Melayu), which contains many Hokkien words. The Malay language has spread throughout Southeast Asia with outlier communities of Malay speakers in Holland, Australia and Sri Lanka. Sep 30, 2024 · Malay is a major language of the Austronesian language family. The very first form of Malay came from the Proto-Malayo-Polynesian language. It is considered as the official language of Malaysia and Brunei. Only But the history of Malay in its more proper sense, that is to say its origin and evolution in all its various forms in the many and diverse commu-nities in which in the course of history it served as a means of communication (including the mutual relationship of those kinds of Malay), has so far remained an almost completely unmapped territory. The Malay language, or Bahasa Melayu, has a rich history that reflects the dynamic cultural and political landscape of Southeast Asia. The Malay Language: Origins, Features, and Modern Relevance The Malay language, or Bahasa Melayu, serves as one of the most influential languages in Southeast Asia. The oldest form of Malay is descended Books Malay, World Language: A Short History James T. Sep 27, 2025 · Malay, any member of an ethnic group of the Malay Peninsula and portions of adjacent islands of Southeast Asia, including the east coast of Sumatra, the coast of Borneo, and smaller islands that lie between these areas. The total number of speakers of Standard Malay is about 18 million. [22] Malay language or Bahasa Melayu, a major Austronesian language spoken in Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei and Singapore History of the Malay language, the Malay language from the 4th to the 14th century Malay Indonesians (Malay / Indonesian: Orang Melayu Indonesia; Jawi: اورڠ ملايو ايندونيسيا ) are ethnic Malays living throughout Indonesia. The Malay language, also known as Bahasa Melayu, has a rich history that dates back centuries. English is the official language of communication, and most locals are bilingual. The Malay language is an old language from the Austronesian language family. Collins Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka, 1998 - Malay language - 101 pages Television dramas, films, music, and literature in Malay help to promote the language and keep it relevant in contemporary society. Over a period of two millennia, Malay has undergone various stages of development that derived from different layers of foreign influences through international trade, religious expansion, colonisation and developments of new socio-political trends. [1][2][3] Significant events in Malaysia's modern history include the formation of the federation, the separation of Singapore, the racial riots, Mahathir Mohamad Old Malay contained some terms last until today, but remained untiligible to modern speakers, while the modern language is already largely recognizable in written Classical Malay of 1303 CE. ) begins with records of poems and thoughts on Aug 19, 2019 · The history is a bit fuzzy, as not much interest was given towards the history of the Malay language until roughly the colonial times, and most of what we know today came from surviving relics, like tombstones and stone inscriptions (Batu Bersurats, if it helps). The above divisions excludes inconclusive "scholarly" debates pertaining to pre-historic Malay in which diverse origins of Austronesian speakers,from which Malay is derived, are proposed. This article delves into the complex journey of the Malay language policy, examining its roots, transformations, and contemporary status. From its origins to its modern usage, explore the diverse aspects of Malay heritage. They form the second-largest ethnic group in Malaysia, after the Malay majority, and as of 2020, constituted 23. Malays[Note 5] (Malay: Orang Melayu, Jawi script: اورڠ ملايو ) are an Austronesian ethnoreligious group native to the Malay Peninsula, eastern Sumatra, coastal Borneo, and the smaller islands that lie between these locations known as Riau Archipelago. Prehistoric and Ancient History Early Settlements: Human habitation in Malaysia dates back to around 40,000 years ago, with evidence of early hunter-gatherer communities. Explore the language's roots and cultural significance, from ancient times to contemporary usage worldwide. It portrays various aspects of Malaysian life and comprises an important part of the culture of Malaysia. This was spoken by the first people who settled in Southeast Asia. May 28, 2025 · The Malay Language, often referred to as “Bahasa Melayu,” is a language steeped in history and cultural significance. A sociolinguistic history of languages in Sabah, which used to be a region under Brunei sovereignty, demonstrates that the Bruneian Malay language is greatly accepted. With hundreds of years of history, a rich Malay (UK: / məˈleɪ / mə-LAY, US: / ˈmeɪleɪ / MAY-lay; [9][10] endonym: Bahasa Melayu, Jawi script: بهاس ملايو) is an Austronesian language spoken primarily by Malays in several islands of Maritime Southeast Asia and the Malay Peninsula on mainland Asia. Jawi is deeply intertwined with the spread of Islam in the Malay Archipelago and serves as an important cultural and religious marker for the region’s Muslim Malay (Bahasa Melayu / بهاس ملايو) Malay is a Malayic language spoken in Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei and Thailand. After a brief overview of the variety of languages in Southeast Asia and Oceania, the position of Malay within the Austronesian language family is discussed as well as the Malay homeland. Malay was first used in the first millennia known as Old Malay, a part of the Austronesian language family. Dive in. Since many Cape Malay people have Understanding the Bahasa Malaysia history and evolution gives us insight into how the language grew from regional roots into the official language of Malaysia. This article will explore the historical context, current […] Oct 7, 2025 · The Malay language serves as the national language of Malaysia and is integral for communication and cultural expression within the region. Malay evolved extensively into Classical Malay through the gradual influx of numerous Arabic and Persian vocabulary, when Islam made its way to the region. Malaysian literature is typically written in any of the country's four main languages: Malay, English, Chinese and Tamil. [11] The language is an official language of Brunei, Malaysia, and Singapore. If you want to learn Malay, download the World Schoolbooks app. Download for iOS Start learning Indonesian language history, the origins of words and how Indonesian Bahasa became the official language of the archipelago. This Malaysian Chinese or Chinese Malaysians are Malaysian citizens of Chinese ethnicity. The study of the history of Malay language is incomplete without a focus on the Low Malay which rose to prominence in the 16th to 17th centuries and largely instrumental in the development of the Indonesian language,⁽¹⁾ an important modern Malay variant. It is the historical language of the Malacca Sultanate and functions as the foundation for the modern national languages of Malaysia (Bahasa Malaysia) and Indonesia (Bahasa Indonesia). The earliest works of Malaysian literature were This video is all about the Malay language (Bahasa Melayu), one of the most most important languages in Southeast Asia. Its influence extends beyond mere communication, underpinning cultural identity, fostering national cohesion, and shaping political landscapes. It is utilized for translating various research instruments, including questionnaires and assessments, ensuring they are accessible and understandable for the Malay-speaking population. The Malay language belongs to the Austronesian language family and has used the Latin alphabet since its introduction by British colonizers. [11] The Cape Malay identity can be considered the product of a set of histories and communities as much as it is a definition of an ethnic group. The comparison between numbers in Malay and Malagasy by De Vitré during his voyage to the East Indies in 1603 Similarities between Malagasy and Malay had been established Malaysian Languages Bahasa Malay and English are the most commonly spoken languages in Malaysia, but the thriving migrant population has ensured the spread of Mandarin Chinese, Tamil, and other Asian languages. Discover the rich history and cultural significance of the Malay language. Mar 25, 2024 · Behold the 7 fascinating facts about the Malay language (Bahasa Melayu) that you may not know. Malay became Malaysia's sole national language in 1967 and has been institutionalized with a modest degree of success. Collins,1998 A Brief Social History of the Malay Language John Durham Peters,1984 A Study of the Evolution of the Malay Language Seong Chee Tham,1990 This book should be of immense interest to students of language in general Whether they are studying the Malay language in change or researching on the relationship between The use of Malay was a result of extensive interactions between the native kingdoms in the Philippines and the various ancient Malay world civilizations that existed in modern-day Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia as it was the trade language of the entire Maritime Southeast Asian region. Early human settlement is evidenced by the Perak Man, a skeletal remains dating back over 10,000 years, found in the Lenggong Valley, and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. [1][2][3] Significant events in Malaysia's modern history include the formation of the federation, the separation of Singapore, the racial riots, Mahathir Mohamad The Malay language, or Bahasa Melayu, is more than just a means of communication for the millions who speak it across Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Singapore, and southern Thailand. The above divisions excludes inconclusive "scholarly" debates pertaining to pre-historic Malay in which diverse origins of Austronesian speakers,from which Malay is derived, are proposed. ) that comprised extensive borrowings from Sanskrit. Malay (UK: / məˈleɪ / mə-LAY, US: / ˈmeɪleɪ / MAY-lay; [9] [10] endonym: Bahasa Melayu, Jawi script: بهاس ملايو) is an Austronesian language spoken primarily by Malays in several islands of Maritime Southeast Asia and the Malay Peninsula on mainland Asia. The Malay language boasts a rich history, evolving through various influences and periods that have shaped its current form. The Malay language, known locally as “Bahasa Melayu,” holds a significant place in the linguistic history of Southeast Asia. Malaysian literature consists of literature produced in the Malay Peninsula until 1963 and in Malaysia thereafter. For language learners, understanding the role of Malay in identity and nationalism offers When Malaysia (then Malaya) became independent in 1957, the Malay language was made the national and official language. The Malay language once formed half of a former linguistic family, Malayo-Polynesian (now called Austronesian); it was also used to denote a phenotype. Indonesian, a standardized variety of Malay, [3 Jul 1, 2024 · The history of Malay language can be traced back to the Austronesian language, spoken by people in Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, and Singapore. The history of Malay language is divided into four periods : Old Malay, Early Modern Malay, Late Modern Malay and Contemporary Malay. Introduction The Jawi script is an Arabic-derived writing system used primarily for writing the Malay language, though it has historically been used for other languages in Southeast Asia, such as Acehnese, Minangkabau, and Banjarese. The Malay language, known locally as “Bahasa Melayu,” has undergone significant evolution over the centuries, influenced by historical events, political decisions, and social changes. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. This was evident in the earliest stone inscriptions found in Kedukan Bukit dated 683 CE written in the Pallava script. The Malay language is an Austronesian language spoken predominantly in Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, and Singapore. Malay is the national language, and the most commonly spoken language in Malaysia, where it is estimated that 20 percent of all native speakers of Malay live. This article will explore the origins, development, and modern-day Malaysian Malay (Malay: Bahasa Melayu Malaysia) or Malaysian (Bahasa Malaysia) [7] – endonymically known as Standard Malay (Bahasa Melayu piawai) or simply Malay (Bahasa Melayu, abbreviated to BM) – is a standardized form of the Malay language used in Malaysia and also used in Singapore and Brunei (as opposed to the variety used in Indonesia, which is referred to as the "Indonesian 6 days ago · Malaysia is a country of Southeast Asia, lying just north of the Equator, that is composed of two noncontiguous regions: Peninsular Malaysia, which is on the Malay Peninsula, and East Malaysia, which is on the island of Borneo. The Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur, lies in the western part of the peninsula. The Malay language, also known as Bahasa Melayu, is a fascinating subject for language learners, not just because of its linguistic structure but also due to its rich and varied history. The Malay language originated from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian and began diverging around 2000 BCE. com . The Austronesian language has an illustrious history as a lingua franca throughout the region, though English is also widely spoken because it was the administrative language of the British colonizers. The Laguna Copperplate Inscription, the earliest-known document found in the Philippines was written in a May 19, 2025 · Learn Malay with this comprehensive guide and explore history, grammar, vocabulary, resources, tips, and answers to language learning FAQs here. However, contemporary Malaysia regards the entire history of Malaya and Borneo, spanning thousands of years back to prehistoric times, as its own history. [35] The terminology as per federal government policy is Bahasa Malaysia (literally "Malaysian language") [36] but in the federal constitution continues to refer to the official Malay was first used in the first millennia known as Old Malay, a part of the Austronesian language family. [10][11 The Malay Language: A Tapestry of Cultures and History The Malay language, or Bahasa Melayu, holds a central place in the linguistic landscape of Southeast Asia. [7][8] There were numerous kingdoms associated with the Indonesian Malays along with A Malayalam speaker, recorded in South Africa Malayalam (മലയാളം, Malayāḷam, [mɐlɐjaːɭɐm] ⓘ) [a] is a Dravidian language, primarily spoken by the Malayali people, native to the Indian state of Kerala and the union territories of Lakshadweep and Puducherry (Mahé district). High Malay was the official language used in the court of the Johor Sultanate and continued by the Dutch-administered territory of Riau-Lingga, while Low Malay was commonly used in marketplaces and ports of the archipelago. The oldest form of Malay is descended The document discusses a publication about the history of the Malay language in Southeast Asia, including information on the publication's author, maps, tables, illustrations and bibliography. Malay developed extensively during the Malacca Sultanate between 1402-1511 CE due to Islamic influences. Indonesian, a standardized variety of Malay, 3 is The history of the Malay Community in terms of culture and heritage. Understanding the interplay between the Malay language and its culture offers invaluable insights for […] This article will provide a comprehensive overview of the history, linguistic structure, dialects, writing system, and modern usage of Malay, focusing on its role as a central language in the diverse cultural and linguistic landscape of Southeast Asia. The evolution of Malay can be divided into 3 stages, namely: Old Malay > Classical Malay > Modern Bahasa Malay. This happened because of trade, new religions, and different rulers. Many Sri Lankan Malays have been celebrated as courageous soldiers, politicians, sportsmen, lawyers, accountants, and doctors. - only from UKEssays. The use of Malay was a result of extensive interactions between the native kingdoms in the Philippines and the various ancient Malay world civilizations that existed in modern-day Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia as it was the trade language of the entire Maritime Southeast Asian region. . The history of Malay is followed throughout its most important stages, from the period of the oldest written evidence in The Malayic languages are a branch of the Malayo-Polynesian subgroup of the Austronesian language family. With its historical roots and modern applications, understanding the role of Malay can provide valuable insights into the dynamics of Southeast Asia. Learn about the Malay people. [2][3] Malay, in its various forms, is The history of Malay language has many hypotheses about its origination. Malay in the Ancient World Date: 8000 b. It has changed a lot over thousands of years. Old Malay ( 682 -1500 C. The Malay language, also known as Bahasa Melayu, is the primary language of the Malays and the official language of Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei. Within Malaysia, the ethnic Chinese community Malaysia is a modern concept, created in the second half of the 20th century. Initially, Classical Malay was a diverse group of dialects, reflecting the varied origins of the Malay kingdoms of Southeast Asia. This article follows the development of Malay from prehistorical times to the present. It is believed to have originated from the Austronesian language family, which includes various languages spoken in Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, and parts of Madagascar. With millions of speakers, Malay serves as a critical medium of communication and cultural […] Malay was first used in the first millennia known as Old Malay, a part of the Austronesian language family. 11 The language is an official language of Brunei, Malaysia, and Singapore. William Marsden distinguished four "styles John Crawfurd Malay Language History: Malay, World Language James T. Some linguists have argued that it was the more common Low Malay that formed the base of the Indonesian language. The Importance of Historical Events in Language Evolution The evolution of the Malay language is a testament to the dynamic interplay between historical events and linguistic development. E. c. Despite their similarities, they have distinct identities, histories, and cultural contexts. [1] The two most prominent members of this branch are Indonesian and Malay. Malaysia is a modern concept, created in the second half of the 20th century. Language Most ethnic Malays speak one or more of the many dialects (versions) of the Malay language, a language of the Austronesian family of languages. In a narrower sense, the Malay world has been used as a synonym for Malay sprachraum, referring to the Malay -speaking countries and territories of Southeast Asia, where different standards of Malay are the national languages or a variety of it is an important minority language. Explore the origins of the Malayan people, examine Malay ethnicity and descent, and review the sub-ethnic groups Malay (Malay: Bahasa Melayu) is a major Austronesian language spoken across Southeast Asia, particularly in Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Singapore, southern Thailand, and parts of the Philippines. Malayo-Polynesian languages with more than five million speakers are: Indonesian, Javanese, Sundanese, Tagalog, Bikol, Malagasy, Malay, Cebuano, Madurese, Ilocano, Hiligaynon, and Minangkabau. Concerning the Malaccan sultanate, it was composed sometime in the 15th or 16th century. In conclusion, the rich history of the Malay language is a testament to its enduring significance and resilience. Old Malay was influenced by Sanskrit and the earliest known inscription dates to 683 CE. But the history of Malay in its more proper sense, that is to say its origin and evolution in all its various forms in the many and diverse commu-nities in which in the course of history it served as a means of communication (including the mutual relationship of those kinds of Malay), has so far remained an almost completely unmapped territory. Historical Background The Malay language boasts a rich history, with Malay and Indonesian are two closely related languages spoken in Southeast Asia. Sejarah Melayu, one of the finest literary and historical works in the Malay language. Malay evolved extensively into Classical Malay through the gradual influx of numerous elements of Arabic and Persian vocabulary when Islam made its way to the region. Locale: Malaysia and Southeast Asia Malay in the Ancient World Over time, the term “Malay” (muh-LAY) has conjured up various connotations and usages in the context of world history. Uncover the fascinating facts and history of the Malay language, one of the oldest languages dating back to the 7th century, rich in culture and influence. These locations are today part of the countries of Malaysia, Indonesia (eastern and southern Sumatra, Bangka Belitung Islands, West Cape Malay flower-seller The Cape Malays (Afrikaans: Kaapse Maleiers, کاپز ملیس in Arabies script) also known as Cape Muslims [16] or simply Malays, are a Muslim community or ethnic group in South Africa. The Malaysia language plays an irreplaceable role in fostering national unity while celebrating diversity. Thanks to Anwarul Adzizi Adeni for vo Jawi (جاوي; Acehnese: Jawoë; Malay: Jawi; Malay pronunciation: [d͡ʒä. It is the national language of several countries, including Malaysia, Indonesia (where it’s known as Indonesian or Bahasa Indonesia), Brunei, and Singapore. Indonesian is the official language of Indonesia and has evolved as a standardized form of Malay with distinct influences from local languages and historical factors. Understanding the history of Malay provides valuable insights into how languages evolve and adapt to cultural, political, and social changes. Spoken across Southeast Asia, including countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, and Singapore, it holds a unique place in the linguistic tapestry of the region. Oct 25, 2024 · With an estimated 290 million speakers, it is one of the most widely spoken languages in the region. The translation process involves adapting these tools for use in local Jul 19, 2024 · Malaysia’s history is rich and complex, reflecting its position as a crossroads of various cultures and civilizations. Its roots stretch deep into history, and its evolution has been influenced by a myriad of factors, including trade, colonization, and cultural exchange. Apr 25, 2025 · Malay evolved extensively into Classical Malay through the gradual influx of numerous elements of Arabic and Persian vocabulary when Islam made its way to the region. It may be the case that the language of the Srivijayan inscriptions is a close cousin rather than an ancestor of Classical Malay. The Malay language evolved from ancient to the archaic form with the penetration and proliferation of Sanskrit into the local Malay language soon after the coming of the Hindu civilisation to the Malay archipelago. The oldest form of Malay is descended Bruneian Malay language has contributed many words to the vocabulary of the ethnic people in the Borneo islands. It serves as a lingua franca in the region and is closely linked to the cultural and historical identity of the Malay people, especially during the time of the Malacca Sultanate, where it played a crucial role in trade and diplomacy. language with an introduction of the history of those who speak Malay, and of its spread as a means of communication over a more extensive area. It is the national language of Malaysia, an official language in Singapore and Brunei, and enjoys significant usage in Indonesia (as Indonesian, which is a standardized form of Malay). The original text, written prior to 1536, underwent changes in 1612, ordered by Sultan Abdullah Maayah Shah. Nov 14, 2023 · Malay originally comes from the Austronesian family of languages and old ‘Classic Malay’ origins from a diverse array of dialects which can be traced back to different Malay kingdoms. e. The oldest form of Malay is descended Malaysia History, Language and Culture History of Malaysia Malaysia's history is a tapestry of ancient civilisations, colonial influences, and modern progress. There have been different ways of classifying the variants of Malay in the course of time. Malay (UK: / məˈleɪ / mə-LAY, US: / ˈmeɪleɪ / MAY-lay; [9][10] endonym: Bahasa Melayu, Jawi script: بهاس ملايو) is an Austronesian language spoken primarily by Malays in several islands of Maritime Southeast Asia and the Malay Peninsula on mainland Asia. It is a rich tapestry woven with centuries of history, culture, and tradition. Over centuries, it has evolved from a regional lingua franca into a modern language spoken by millions. Today, Malay is written in the Latin script and is spoken in several Southeast Asian countries, including Sep 25, 2023 · From the prominence of English as the official language to the rich history of Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil as national languages, and the vibrant presence of numerous dialects and Singlish in everyday life, we explore how language reflects Singapore's unique identity and its ongoing commitment to inclusivity in a globalized world. Malay began replacing English in public administration and the courts, as well as replacing English as the medium of instruction in national schools and public universities. wi]) is a writing system used for writing several languages of Southeast Asia, such as Acehnese, Banjarese, Betawi, Iranun, Kutainese, Maguindanao, Malay, Mëranaw, Minangkabau, Tausūg, Ternate, and many other languages in Southeast Asia. The oldest form of Malay is descended This blog post explores the rich history and evolution of the Malay language, tracing its roots from the ancient Malay people, through various linguistic phases, to its modern status as the national language of Malaysia. Indonesian, a standardized variety of Malay The Malayan Declaration of Independence in Jawi alphabet. The Malagasy language is the westernmost member of the Malayo-Polynesian branch of the Austronesian language family, [8] a grouping that includes languages from Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and the Pacific Islands. [6] Indonesian, the national language of Indonesia, is a standardized form of Riau Malay. Promoting Malay as a unifying language should not be perceived as a threat to the national identities of Southeast Asian countries. They are one of the indigenous peoples of the country. It is one of 22 scheduled languages, as well as one of 11 classical languages, of India. Over a period of two millennia, from a form that probably consisted of only 157 original words, Malay has undergone various stages of development that derived from different layers of foreign influences through international trade, relig Aug 25, 2021 · The first phase is Old Malay (682-1500 C. The oldest form of Malay is descended The history of Malay language is divided into four periods : Old Malay, Early Modern Malay, Late Modern Malay and Contemporary Malay. This article explores the relationship between Malay and Indonesian, touching upon their origins, linguistic similarities and differences, mutual intelligibility, cultural significance, and the influence of colonial The main source of a continuing Malay identity is their common Malay language, the Islamic faith, and their ancestral origin from the Malay Archipelago. The inscriptions from the late 7th century located in the Palembang region describing Srivijaya and its emperor, are the earliest enduring evidence of the Malay language. Learn how the history of Malay has influenced the language as we recognize it today. Major languages All major and official Austronesian languages belong to the Malayo-Polynesian subgroup. Investigate its varied dialects and complex cultural narrative! The Malay language, known as Bahasa Melayu, holds a unique position in the tapestry of Southeast Asia, particularly in Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, and Singapore. Jan 1, 2018 · The world's 290 million speakers of Malay draw their strength from the 1300-year history of Malay as a written language and the ever older oral traditions of their maritime ancestors. The Malays speak various dialects belonging to the Austronesian Malay was first used in the first millennia known as Old Malay, a part of the Austronesian language family. udggpl roy hg r92fj i9v 9zecz ijj htmts dpylhi lxliycc