Differences Between Malaysian and Indonesian - Perception

Perception

To non-native speakers both varieties may seem identical, but to native speakers, the differences are noticeable through diction and accent. These differences often lead to incomprehension when used in formal conversation or written communication. They also affect broadcasting business in relation to foreign language subtitling, for example DVD movies or TV cable subscriptions. In order to reach a wider audience, sometimes both Indonesian and Malaysian subtitles are displayed in a movie with other language subtitles. Another example is Malaysian TV provides Malaysian subtitling on Indonesian sinetrons (TV drama) aired in Malaysia.

Besides differing in linguistics matter, the Malay language in Indonesia and Malaysia also differs in recognition and general perception by the people and government of both countries. This matter is almost unknown to foreigners and nescience may result in misconceptions.

The term "Malay language" (Bahasa Melayu) in Indonesia and Malaysia invites different perceptions. To Malaysians, the Malay language is generally the national language of Malaysia. "Malaysian language" (Bahasa Malaysia) is the Malaysian standardized form of Malay. Between 1986 and 2007, the term Bahasa Melayu was used instead of Bahasa Malaysia, until the latter was reinstated, in order to instil a sense of belonging among Malaysians of all races, rather than just Malays. Therefore, there is virtually no clear distinction between the Malay language (Bahasa Melayu) and the national language of Malaysia (Bahasa Malaysia). In Brunei, where Malay is also an official language, the language is known in English as either "Bahasa Melayu" or "Malay".

In Indonesia, however, there is a clean cut between the "Malay language" (Bahasa Melayu) and the "Indonesian language" (Bahasa Indonesia). Indonesian language is the national language which serves as the unifying language in Indonesia. It is derived from Malay, but it is not necessarily the Malay language. The term "Malay language" is exclusively reserved for the language indigenous to and spoken by Malay people. Thus, Malay is "legally" a regional language in Indonesia, enjoying the same status with Javanese, Bataknese, Sundanese, Buginese, Balinese and many others. Moreover, to Indonesians, the term "Malay language" often sounds more associated to Malaysia and/or, in this case, the Malaysian national language.

The terms "Indonesian Malay" and "Malaysian Malay" are sometimes (incorrectly) used in contrast to refer to Bahasa Indonesia and Bahasa Malaysia. "Indonesian Malay" does not generally refer to Bahasa Indonesia. It actually means "the Malay spoken by Malay people in Indonesia" or "Malay as a regional language in Indonesia", that is, Malay native to Sumatra. It is quite rare though to use the term "Indonesian Malay". "Bahasa Indonesia" is almost always referred to as "Indonesian" in English. "Bahasa Malaysia" or "Malaysian" are used interchangeably in reference to "Bahasa Melayu" or "Malay".