Asian Absolute frequently receives requests from clients to convert materials into Bahasa, but in reality, there is no single language that can be referred to as Bahasa. From experience, we know that most of the clients are, in fact, looking for a translation into either Indonesian or Malaysian. But what is “Bahasa” if not a language?
In this article, we will uncover the term “Bahasa,” give some historical background, and give a better picture of the term and the languages it can be used to refer to. We will also delve further into the languages of the Malay Archipelago – especially Indonesian and Malaysian and why it is important to be specific with the language of choice.
The Origin of “Bahasa”
The word ‘Bahasa’ is the Malay word for language. It is derived from the Sanskrit word भाषा (bhāsā), meaning ‘spoken language’. Both in Indonesian and Malay, the term is used to refer to language. Hence, expressions like ‘Bahasa Indonesia’ and ‘Bahasa Malaysia’ can be translated to ‘Indonesian language’ and ‘Malaysian language’ respectively.
At times, foreigners will refer to Indonesia as “Bahasa,” which can be quite misleading. The fact of the matter is that “Bahasa” is not a single language and can refer to many others.
It’s Not Just Indonesian or Malaysian
The word ‘Bahasa’ is most often associated with Indonesian or Malaysian, but it is also used in many other contexts. Here are just a few examples:
- Bahasa Sūg – Tausug language
- Bahasa Betawi – Betawi language
- Bahasa Ciacia – Cia-Cia language
Each of these is a language that is used by different ethnic or regional groups in the Malay Archipelago.
A Short History of Bahasa Indonesia and Bahasa Malaysia
Bahasa Indonesia and Bahasa Malaysia have a common forefather: Classical Malay. However, due to different colonial pasts – Dutch in Indonesia and British in Malaysia – they developed into different but related languages.
In 1972, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei created a joint commission to standardize their linguistic standards, especially in scientific and technical terminology. However, this cooperation has helped to bring spelling and grammar into conformity, but there are still many differences.
Some of the Differences Between the Two
Despite the similarities, there are some differences between Bahasa Indonesia and Bahasa Malaysia:
- Vocabulary: English has left a mark on the Malaysian, while Indonesian has more Dutch words.
- Intonation and speed: The speed and the intonation are different; Bahasa Indonesia is often spoken faster.
- Orthography: Although consonants and vowels are mostly standardized, there are still some differences in the spelling. Even how decimals are written can vary.
Regional Variation and Dialects
It is also important to note that Indonesia and Malaysia are linguistically very diverse. Indonesia has more than 700 languages, and Bahasa Indonesia is the national language. In the same way, Bahasa Malaysia is the unifying force for a multi-ethnic population. The dialects of the regions also affect how each is spoken in real life.
Which Bahasa Do You Need?
Since “Bahasa” is just the term for language, it is always important to specify whether you need Bahasa Indonesia or Bahasa Malaysia when asking for translation services. It is important as it helps focus on the right market and avoid confusion or any delay.
Still unsure? Our team at Asian Absolute is always ready to assist you with the process.
Let’s Talk!
If you require professional Indonesian or Malaysian translation services, feel free to contact us. We can assist you with questions, provide advice, or even give you a free quote based on your project’s requirements.