3 Ways To Speak Like Malaysian When You Are Not Malaysian

Welcome to Malaysia!

I believe this article will attract those who plan to visit Malaysia soon

Hosted the second tallest building in the world, Malaysia is located at south-east asia offers you a lot of places and activity that worth to discover. But, hold on! there is one thing that you need to consider before visiting this multi-racial country. Yes, language! This article (or hacks) will make you feel more confident and less awkward to speak with most of the Malaysian once you step your feet here. Don't worry its not hard as you might think.

Hack #1: Usage of 'LAH' Words

I can guarantee you, the first few hours after you arrived, you will hear most Malaysian will ending up their sentences with 'lah' words. Why? No valid reason for it or maybe it just sounds good for us. See examples below:

Adam : "Hey Dinesh, where do we get our dinner today?

Dinesh : "Lets go to eat seafood at that restaurant-lah"

Got it? here is another example:

Adam : "Gosh, i forgot to pay the parking ticket"

Dinesh : "Come on, later you pay-lah, we go get the drinks first"

See, 'LAH' words is almost universal word that will be inserted at the end of each sentences. Pretty simple right?

Hack #2: You Are Allowed to Call Anyone 'BRO'

Most of us are aware that 'BRO' is originated from the word 'Brother', means you will use it within your close acquaintances. But in Malaysia, you can use 'BRO' for anyone and everywhere! Yes, please use it without hesitation. For Malaysian, we are okay if any strangers call us with 'BRO'. Here is the example:

Marc : "Erm, sorry Bro, mind to show a way to nearest bus station?"

Lets see another one:

Damien : "Excuse me Bro, can i lend your phone for a while?"

Always bear in mind that 'BRO' refer to a guy. If you met a women, please use 'SIS' instead

Hack #3: Usage of Mixed Language

When you are here, i prefer for you to learn few basic Malay words. Malaysian really like to do remix between English and Bahasa Malaysia in one sentence eventhough those Malaysian that can speak English fluently, but it just happened, sometimes. Lets see the examples:

Marc : "Sir, can i know how to get the train to Kuala Lumpur?

Dinesh : "Urm, i think, you can go to the counter and you can 'tanya' (ask) them" -Clearly, its mixed language that will happen sometimes. Normal huh?

After all, this hacks are just to give you a glance on how our daily conversation happens. Please do visit Malaysia and enjoy our famous Nasi Lemak and Teh Tarik!