Impressive facts about the Indonesian language

Facts about the Indonesian language

The Indonesian language, known as Bahasa Indonesia, serves as the official language of Indonesia. It unites over 17,000 islands, making it crucial for national identity and communication. Its adoption as the national language was a significant step towards fostering unity in a diverse country.

Interestingly, Indonesian is a relatively young language, formalized in the 20th century. It evolved from Malay, a language used for centuries in trade and diplomacy in the region. This historical background contributes to its role as a lingua franca in Southeast Asia.

One of the features that makes Indonesian accessible to learners is its phonetic nature. The language is written in the Latin alphabet, and its pronunciation closely matches its spelling. This simplicity aids in learning and communication across the diverse Indonesian archipelago.

Indonesian vocabulary is enriched by loanwords from various languages, including Sanskrit, Arabic, Portuguese, Dutch, and English. This reflects the country’s rich history of trade, colonization, and cultural exchange. These influences add depth and diversity to the language.

The language plays a key role in education and media, serving as the medium of instruction in schools and universities. Indonesian television, music, and literature also contribute to its dissemination and popularity. Through these channels, the language reaches millions, promoting national culture and values.

Efforts to promote Indonesian globally are evident, with language courses offered in various countries. These initiatives aim to introduce Indonesian culture and language to the world, enhancing international relations. They also provide opportunities for cultural exchange and mutual understanding.

Indonesian for beginners is one of over 50 free language packs that you can get from us.

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Our teaching materials for the Indonesian course are available both online and as iPhone and Android apps.

With this course you can learn Indonesian independently - without a teacher and without a language school!

The lessons are clearly structured and will help you achieve your goals.

Learn Indonesian fast with 100 Indonesian language lessons organized by topic.