Indonesian language facts for kids

Indonesian language (Indonesian/Malay: Bahasa Indonesia) is the official and national language of Indonesia. Indonesian is a standardized form of the Malay language, and it's spoken in Indonesia. And has considerable differences between the standard Malay spoken in Malaysia and the Malays living in Thailand and Singapore.

It is spoken as a second language or first by most natives living in the country, because they use a regional one (such as Javanese). However, Indonesia's education, media and communication all use Bahasa Indonesia.

The language's official name is Bahasa Indonesia (language of Indonesia), which is also used in English. It also referred to as "Indonesian".

Images for kids

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  Rencong alphabet, native writing systems found in central and South Sumatra. The text reads (Voorhoeve's spelling): "haku manangis ma / njaru ka'u ka'u di / saru tijada da / tang [hitu hadik sa]", which is translated by Voorhoeve as: "I am weeping, calling you; though called, you do not come" (in modern Malay "Aku menangis, menyerukan engkau, kaudiseru, tiada datang [itu adik satu]").

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  Kedukan Bukit Inscription, written in Vatteluttu, is the oldest surviving specimen of the Old Malay language in South Sumatra, Indonesia.

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  Written in the Hujung Langit Inscription, the name of the King who is enthroned on the Sakala Brak on the 7th line is Your Majesty Parameswara Haji Yuwa Rajya Punku Syri Haridewa the first line is weritten ... Sakala ...

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  The Youth Pledge was the result of the Second Youth Congress held in Batavia in October 1928. On the last pledge, there was an affirmation of Indonesian language as a unifying language throughout the archipelago.

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  Road-signs in an airport terminal

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  Toll gate in Bali

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  Indonesian language used on a Kopaja bus advertisement

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  Location where Indonesian language seen as the business language which taught in schools, colleges, universities, institutions, etc.

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  Indonesian is also the language of Indonesian mass media, such as magazines. Printed and broadcast mass media are encouraged to use standard Indonesian, although more relaxed popular slang often prevails.

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  Indonesian is used in schools.

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  Indonesian word "Gereja" (Church) is derived from Portuguese "Igreja". The sign reads: "Gereja & Candi Hati Kudus Tuhan Yesus Ganjuran Keuskupan Agung Semarang" (The Church and Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Ganjuran Archdiocese of Semarang).

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  The Indonesian word of bioskop is derived from Dutch bioscoop (movie theater).

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  BIPA (Bahasa Indonesia untuk Penutur Asing) book, which helps foreigners to learn the Indonesian language effectively.

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  Old one thousand Indonesian Rupiah banknote, featuring Indonesian national hero Thomas Matulessy.

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  Indonesian-language calendar

See also

In Spanish: Idioma indonesio para niños