How Different Are Indonesian and Malay?!

Summary

This video explores the nuances between Indonesian and Malay, two closely related languages that share a historical and linguistic foundation. Although they are largely mutually intelligible, distinct influences have shaped their vocabulary and pronunciation since the Indonesian nationalist movement of 1928. The presenter highlights differences in loanwords, casual speech variations, and regional dialects, emphasizing the rich linguistic tapestry that characterizes both languages. Ultimately, the discussion invites viewers to consider whether these two forms should be regarded as different languages or simply varieties of the same language.

Takeaways

• 😀 Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia) and Malay (Bahasa Melayu) are closely related languages, primarily mutually intelligible.
• 🇮🇩 The Indonesian nationalist movement renamed Malay to Indonesian in 1928, giving it a distinct identity and allowing for divergence.
• 📚 While standard Indonesian and standard Malay are largely similar in grammar, they differ significantly in vocabulary, with estimates suggesting they are 90% the same and 10% different.
• 🔤 Differences in spelling and pronunciation arise from distinct colonial influences: English in Malay and Dutch in Indonesian.
• 💼 Some terms have different origins, such as 'office' (kantor in Indonesian) versus 'pejabat' (in Malay), highlighting the influence of Dutch and older Malay terms.
• 💬 Casual speech reveals greater divergence, with regional dialects impacting word choice and usage in both languages.
• 🌳 Common vocabulary differences include 'tree' (pohon in Indonesian) and 'pokok' (in Malay), showcasing basic lexicon variations.
• 🏫 The word for 'hospital' is ro rumah sakit in Indonesian, while Malay uses hospital, reflecting their different historical influences.
• 🚶‍♂️ Pronouns and terms of address vary, such as 'Baba' (Indonesian) versus 'Tuanku' (Malay), illustrating cultural distinctions.
• 🗣️ Ultimately, both languages can be viewed as varieties of a single pluricentric language, with two standard forms and numerous regional dialects.

Q & A

What are the two sister languages discussed in the video?

The two sister languages are Indonesian, known as Bahasa Indonesia, and Malaysian, known as Bahasa Melayu.

Why were Indonesian and Malaysian renamed and diverged?

In 1928, the Indonesian nationalist movement chose Malay as the national language of Indonesia, renaming it to Bahasa Indonesia. This decision set it apart from standard Malay, allowing it to develop a new identity and diverge more freely.

What is the estimated percentage of vocabulary similarity between Indonesian and Malay?

It is estimated that about 90% of the vocabulary is the same, with approximately 10% being different.

How did colonial influences shape the writing systems of Malay and Indonesian?

Malay was originally written in a modified Arabic script called Jawi but began using Roman characters during the colonial period. In Malaysia, this was influenced by British control, while in Indonesia, it was influenced by Dutch colonialism.

Can you provide an example of a word that differs in spelling between Indonesian and Malay?

One example is the word for 'grandchild': in Malay, it is spelled 'cucu,' while in Indonesian, it is spelled 'cucunya.'

What is a significant difference in vocabulary between the two languages?

In Indonesian, the word for 'office' is 'kantor,' derived from Dutch, while in Malay, it is 'pejabat,' which is an older Malay term.

What is a notable difference in casual speech between Indonesian and Malay?

Casual speech in Indonesian often incorporates local dialects and informal terms, while Malay can vary significantly between regions, leading to distinct expressions and pronunciations.

How do the verbs for 'to want' differ between the two languages?

In Indonesian, the common verb for 'to want' is 'mahu,' while in Malay, it is 'mau.'

What does the speaker suggest about the classification of these languages?

The speaker suggests that Malay and Indonesian should be considered a single pluricentric language with two standard varieties and a variety of regional dialects.

What question does the speaker pose to the audience at the end of the video?

The speaker asks whether viewers consider standard Malay and standard Indonesian to be varieties of the same language, and how they perceive their casual forms.