What

Languages

are used in Bali

Last update: 09/04/2024 11:46

overview

Bali has a diverse population that speaks a variety of languages. The official language of Bali is Indonesian, but the island also has a distinct dialect known as Balinese. In addition, many locals also speak English, especially in tourist areas. Other languages you may hear on the island include Javanese. In this Guide, you will learn about the different languages spoken in Bali and explore their history and use in the island's culture and society.

This Guide is divided into the following sections:

General Info

Indonesia is a country with rich linguistic diversity. Each island in Indonesia has its unique language, and many languages have multiple dialects. More than 700 indigenous languages are spoken, making it one of the most linguistically diverse countries in the world.

The official language of Indonesia is Bahasa Indonesia, which is based on Malay and spoken by the majority of the population. However, many other languages are spoken in Indonesia, some of which are endangered and might become extinct.

For example, several languages are on Java island, including Javanese, Sundanese, and Madurese. Balinese, spoken on the island of Bali, has its unique vocabulary and grammar and differs from other languages in Indonesia. More than 275 languages are spoken in Papua; the most widely spoken is Papuan Malay.

Indonesia's linguistic diversity results from long colonization, migration, and cultural exchange history. The languages of neighboring countries such as Malaysia, the Philippines, and East Timor have influenced many languages in Indonesia. In addition, many indigenous languages in Indonesia are specific to certain areas and communities.

The Government of Indonesia recognizes the importance of preserving and promoting linguistic diversity in Indonesia. Therefore, in 2017, a national campaign was launched to protect and promote endangered languages in Indonesia. The campaign includes initiatives to document and record endangered languages, promote language teaching and education, and encourage using indigenous languages in public life.

Indonesian language

Bahasa Indonesia is the official language of Indonesia and is spoken by more than 200 million people worldwide. It belongs to the Austronesian language family and is closely related to Malay, spoken in Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei. Bahasa Indonesia has a rich history and has undergone significant changes over the years that have contributed to its current state.

The origin of Indonesian can be traced back to the 7th century when Old Malay was spoken in the Malay archipelago. Old Malay was the region's language for trade and communication between the islands. Over time, Old Malay evolved into Classical Malay, which is used in literature and poetry.

In the 17th century, the Dutch colonized Indonesia and introduced Dutch as an official language in civil service and education. However, they also recognized the importance of local languages and encouraged using Malay as a lingua franca. As a result, Malay evolved into the Creole language known as Bahasa Melayu Pasar or "Market Malay," spoken by ordinary people.

In the early 20th century, Indonesian nationalists began to advocate using a standardized form of Malay as the national language of Indonesia. This language, which became known as Bahasa Indonesia, was based on the Riau-Lingga dialect of Malay spoken in the Riau Islands. Bahasa Indonesia was officially recognized as the national language of Indonesia in 1945 and since then has been used as the language of government, education, and media.

Even though Javanese was spoken by more than 50 % of the Indonesian population, by choosing Bahasa Indonesia as the official language, the Indonesian government wanted to promote national unity, facilitate communication between different regions and ethnic groups, and promote social and economic development.

Since its standardization, Bahasa Indonesia has undergone significant changes. The language has borrowed words from other languages, primarily Dutch, Arabic, and Sanskrit. It has also developed a distinct vocabulary and grammar that distinguishes it from different varieties of Malay. Bahasa Indonesia uses the Latin alphabet, introduced by the Dutch, and has a relatively simple phonology and grammar, making it easy for speakers of other languages to learn.

Today, Indonesian is a thriving language spoken by people of all ages and backgrounds in Indonesia. It is used in formal and informal settings, and the government promotes it through language policy and education programs. Bahasa Indonesia is also recognized as a minority language in other countries, notably Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei, where it is known as Bahasa Indonesia.

Indonesian is a fascinating language with a rich history and a bright future. Its evolution from Old Malay to Bahasa Indonesia reflects Indonesia's cultural, social, and political changes over the centuries. Today, Bahasa Indonesia is a unifying force that unites the diverse peoples of Indonesia and serves as a symbol of national identity and pride.

Bahasa Bali

Bahasa Bali, also known as Balinese, is the language spoken by Balinese in Indonesia. It belongs to the Austronesian language family and is closely related to other languages spoken in Indonesia, such as Javanese and Sundanese.

The history of the Balinese language dates back to the 8th century when Indian traders brought Hinduism and Sanskrit to Bali. Over time, Balinese evolved as a mixture of Sanskrit, Old Javanese, and indigenous Balinese languages. The language was used primarily in religious and literary contexts and was written in Balinese script, a variant of Old Javanese.

During the Dutch colonial period, Balinese was not recognized as a language of instruction or an official language, and many Balinese were forced to learn Dutch. However, the language remained essential to Balinese culture and was used in religious ceremonies and other cultural practices.

Today, Balinese is still widely spoken in Bali and is recognized as a regional language by the Indonesian government. However, it faces several challenges, including the spread of Indonesian as a national language and the influence of English as a global language.

There has been a renewed interest in Balinese and its culture in recent years, and there have been efforts to promote it in schools and universities. The Balinese government has also launched initiatives to preserve and promote the Balinese language and script, including establishing a Balinese language center and developing Balinese language teaching materials.

One of the unique features of Balinese is the honorific system used to express respect and social status. Balinese also has a complex system of verbal affixes that indicate tense, aspect, and mood. The language also has a rich vocabulary to describe cultural customs and religion, including words for traditional dances, music, and religious ceremonies and rituals.

Bahasa Bali is a unique and essential part of Balinese culture and history. Despite the language's challenges, efforts are being made to preserve and promote it for future generations.

English Language

English is a widely spoken language on the Indonesian island of Bali due to its popularity as a tourist destination and the growing internationalization of the island's economy.

English was introduced to Bali during the Dutch colonial period when English was taught at schools alongside Dutch. However, its use was restricted to colonial administrators and the elite classes. English became more important in the post-independence period when Indonesia began to open up to the world. English became a global language of trade, diplomacy, and culture.

English is widespread in Bali, especially in tourist areas and among young people under 30 who have studied it in schools or language centers. Many businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and shops, use English to communicate with foreign customers. The importance of English to the island's development is also recognized by the Balinese Government, which is trying to promote the teaching of English at schools and universities, where it is a compulsory language from second grade onwards.

One of the unique features of English in Bali is the influence of Balinese and Indonesian. Balinese and Indonesian words and phrases are often incorporated into English conversation, creating a unique linguistic fusion. In addition, many Balinese have a distinct accent when speaking English, which can be attributed to their native Balinese or Indonesian linguistic background.

Despite the popularity of English in Bali, some challenges still face its use and development. One of these is the need for more English proficiency among the population, especially in rural areas with limited access to education and language development opportunities. In addition, more qualified English teachers and language centers are needed to meet the growing demand for English language teaching.

However, the widespread use of English in Bali also presents opportunities for cultural exchange, business development, and international cooperation. The English proficiency can help Balinese gain access to global networks and opportunities and share their unique culture and traditions with the world.

Either way, you can manage your holiday in Bali without much trouble, even without these three languages. Locals are patient with tourists and will let you find the necessary phrase in the dictionary.

💡 Tip: We recommend installing Google Translate before you leave and downloading the languages English, Indonesian, and your native one into offline mode.

PŘIPOJIT

How to download languages into offline mode:

1. Open Google Translate app and click profile icon in top right corner
2. Click on "Downloaded Languages"
3. Click on download icon next to the language you wish to download into offline mode