Are you interested in learning a new language?
In addition to improved verbal abilities, did you know that you can improve your memory just by learning a new language? Studies also continue to find that speaking a new language encourages people to become more creative and have better problem-solving skills. If these are advantages you would like to enjoy, then let's take a look at picking up Malay as second language.
Malay is a fantastic language to pick up because it is considered one of the easiest languages to learn in the world. Older learners can therefore quickly learn Bahasa Melayu, especially if you're living in a Malay-speaking country such as Malaysia. What are you waiting for?
Why should I learn Malay as second language?
Even if it's just Malay for beginners, there are numerous benefits that come with speaking the national language.
If you happen to be living in Malaysia, Bahasa Melayu will be the perfect language to pick up first - even before English and Mandarin. As the national language, be ready to be greeted with "Apa khabar?" whenever you meet your Malaysian friends. In fact, you can make more friends when you practise Malay in your daily conversations.
Apart from blossoming friendships, it's likely that your workplace will consider Malay as second language, so learning how to communicate in Malay with your colleagues and managers will help you in getting your ideas and opinions across. It will also leave a good impression that you are eager to be part of the Malaysian culture when you speak Malay at work.
Speaking of the Malaysian culture, you can communicate more easily with locals anywhere just by keeping simple phrases such as "Terima kasih", "Selamat pagi" and "Berapa?" in mind. Simultaneously, you'll pick up the essential customs and must-know destinations. Don't be surprised that you can bargain for lower prices at your nearby pasar tamu just by throwing in a few short Malay phrases!
There's so much you can learn from the Malay language history in Malaysia!
How to learn Malay for beginners?
While you can just use textbooks for Malay for adults, learning Malay can be more effective if you use these easy steps:
Find a good Malay teacher
Although studying on your own can encourage independent learning, it may be a challenge to learn Bahasa Melayu if it's your first time hearing about the language. Certain phrases and conjugations can be confusing if you do not understand how they are formed and in what contexts they can be appropriately used.
In this situation, it'll be of immense help to seek a good Malay teacher in your area to pick up Malay as second language. You can even learn Malay online with tutors who are readily available, such as Malay tutors on Superprof. That way, you can learn Malay the right way with the best support.
Use a language app
Language apps such as Ling App and Simply Learn Malay are among the popular ones for picking up Bahasa Melayu. After the app assesses your current level of the language, you can proceed with the necessary reading, writing and speaking skills to enhance your proficiency in Bahasa Melayu.
Tracking your progress is also another benefit to using a language app so that you are aware of the areas to improve on and easily revise words that you've picked up already. These apps are also great because they often send you reminders every day to practise your Malay language skills. You don't have to worry about skipping a day.
Hop into Malay entertainment
Looking for a fun way to incorporate Bahasa Melayu into your daily routine? TV1, TV2 and TV3 are popular Malaysian channels that use, almost exclusively, just Bahasa Melayu. You can learn about how Malay is used formally from the news, variety shows and official interviews on these channels.
However, watching TV shows in Malay may not be everyone's cup of tea. If that's the case for you, why not try listening to Malay music instead and pick up vocabulary from there? Malaysian artists who sing in Malay, such as Shila Amzah and DOLLA, are popular even with fans who were once unfamiliar with the Malay language. Give it a go!
After this, you can consider taking a proficiency exam, such as IGCSE Malay, along with getting to know the Malay curriculum in Malaysia 2022.
Should I take IGCSE Malay second language?
Have you heard of IGCSE Malay as a Foreign Language?
Not to be confused with the recently-introduced IGCSE First Language Malay syllabus, IGCSE Malay as a Foreign Language allows learners to pick up Malay as second language. Although IGCSE is mostly taken by secondary school-age students, students from alternative education and even adult students take the IGCSE for further advancement in their education, regardless of age or background.
The IGCSE Malay as a Foreign Language syllabus, also referred to as Malay 0546, considers students who are just at the beginner level of learning the language. Even without prior input to Bahasa Melayu, you can learn this new language in a classroom setting. As an absolute beginner, it would take you about 3 years to complete the syllabus if you spend at least 2 hours per week taking preparation classes.
Nonetheless, you can earn an official assessment of your proficiency in Bahasa Melayu even if you are at the level of learning Malay for beginners. More often than not, you will be required to have some basic knowledge of the Malay language to gain employment anywhere in Malaysia. Since the IGCSE is considered a recognised qualification, having it on your resume will also help you appeal to future employers if you are looking for work in Malaysia.
Find out more about what makes IGCSE Malay as a Foreign Language different from IGCSE First Language Malay and where to take IGCSE Malay exams here.
Where can I find textbooks for Malay for adults?
Now it's time to find some IGCSE Malay resources.
Don't just learn Malay online: look out for the Collins textbook for Malay as a Foreign Language, which follows the IGCSE syllabus. Also known as the Cambridge IGCSE Student's Book, you can purchase this essential textbook at any local bookstore. However, you can also buy the textbook at a cheaper price when you source secondhand resources online.
Look out for workbooks too so that you can practise your reading and writing skills in Malay. Websites such as Shopee Malaysia allow you to access textbooks and workbooks for IGCSE Malay second language directly from the publisher, so this is another way to get these resources at an affordable price.
Additionally, the official Cambridge IGCSE website emphasises practice with past papers. Using past papers for practice can help you accustom to the exam format before taking your IGCSE Malay second language exams. Check out BuukBook as well because they offer a collection of IGCSE Malay past papers that you can't find elsewhere.
With your textbooks for Malay for adults, you'll be ready as a student who wants to learn Malay in Malaysia.
Should I learn Malay online?
As we transition more into online learning, does that mean it's better than face-to-face learning? If you're a working adult, then it makes sense to choose the style of learning that is most relevant to your needs, which more often than not is online learning. You can conveniently take a lesson when you get home from work, or complete exercises at home even if you have to take care of the kids.
Face-to-face learning does have the upper hand if you find yourself needing constant engagement with your tutor. To question and discuss difficult topics is essential to understand the Malay language, and this can be effectively done through in-person lessons. Would you like to give it a go with a Malay tutor on Superprof?
When you learn Malay with a Superprof tutor, you can:
- learn how to converse in Malay from a native speaker
- pick up Malay reading and writing skills more efficiently
- become a more confident user of the Malay language!
For as low as RM15 per lesson, you can learn all about Bahasa Melayu with a Superprof tutor, whether it's face-to-face or online. Adopt Malay as second language by learning important vocabulary and grammar that can help you score marks in your IGCSE Malay exams. Even if you're a beginner, you can learn to speak Malay like a Malaysian, too!
The trick is to know which learning style suits you best. Find your preferred learning style by browsing through our list of Malay tutors on Superprof today and enjoy your first Malay lesson for free!
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I’m an ENglish lecturer doing research on the challenges faced by learners of Malay as a foreign language and I’d love to talk to you about this subject. Do please contact me.