Malays comprise the majority of Brunei Darussalam’s population, which makes Malay the most widely spoken language in the country. While Malay is the Sultanate’s official language, English is widely used and understood in Brunei, an attribution of its ethnically diverse population. English is often used in the residents’ everyday life in addition to conducting business and in schools, making it easy for tourists and visitors to communicate with locals. Mandarin is commonly understood and spoken among the Chinese community.
Visitors are recommended to learn a few common phrases in the local lingo to make the most of their travelling experience.
Copyright 1993 Borneo Bulletin Yearbook All rights reserved.