Malay, our national language
Malay (Bahasa Melayu) is Malaysia's national language. It is used in schools, government offices and official ceremonies. To keep it strong, the country set up special institutions to develop and protect the language.
Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP)
The most important body is the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP), founded in 1956. Its jobs are to:
- enrich and modernise the Malay language;
- publish books, dictionaries such as the Kamus Dewan, and magazines;
- encourage people to read and write in Malay.
Its famous motto is Bahasa Jiwa Bangsa, meaning "Language is the Soul of the Nation".
Working together
The Ministry of Education and schools also help by teaching Malay to every pupil. Newspapers, television and libraries spread the language too.
Key idea
DBP (founded 1956) leads the work of developing and protecting the Malay language, with the motto Bahasa Jiwa Bangsa.
Remember
- Malay is the national language.
- DBP publishes the Kamus Dewan dictionary.
- Schools teach Malay to all pupils.