• University of Malaya logo

Learn Bahasa Melayu: Grammatical rules in Malay

Learn the fundamentals of the Malay language and develop your skills in speaking, reading, and writing in Bahasa Melayu.

4,901 enrolled on this course

malaysian independence day Merdeka celebration with crowds. patriotism

Learn Bahasa Melayu: Grammatical rules in Malay

4,901 enrolled on this course

  • 3 weeks

  • 4 hours per week

  • Digital certificate when eligible

  • Introductory level

Find out more about how to join this course

  • Duration

    3 weeks
  • Weekly study

    4 hours
  • 100% online

    How it works
  • Unlimited subscription

    $244.99 for a whole yearLearn more

Build your base knowledge and confidence in Malay

Building on the content covered in Learn Bahasa Melayu: Introduction to the Malay Language, this three-week course from Universiti Malaya will further your understanding of more complex grammar and pronunciation and take your conversational skills to the next level.

Discover grammar in the Bahasa language

You’ll be introduced to the grammar that is key to understanding the language. You’ll first explore a range of grammatical rules in Malay, then conclude with basic sentence patterns and structure.

Experiment with other Malay speakers

Learning Malay with the correct grammar will allow you to easily structure Malay sentences and phrases. With a basic understanding of the language, you will be able to communicate with Malay speakers. ‘Selamat maju jaya!’ Good luck!

Learn a new language with experts from the top university in Malaysia

Universiti Malaya is the number one university in Malaysia and their educators are the best in their field of studies. As an international resource of knowledge and expertise in languages and linguistics, UM has well-equipped educators to help you develop your understanding and skills in Bahasa Melayu.

Syllabus

  • Week 1

    Introduction to Questions words, Position and Directions

    • Hello word.

      Getting Started

      Welcome to Week 1! In this activity, we will introduce you to the course and test your current knowledge about Malay grammar.

    • Question and answer concept.

      Kata Tanya (Question words)

      Learners will learn about question words such as apa (what), siapa (who), bila (when), di mana (where), and bagaimana (how).

    • Wooden cubes with red arrow facing the opposite direction brown arrows.

      Posisi dan Arah (Positions and Directions)

      Learners will be introduced to position and direction in Malay.

    • top view of yellow light bulb idea symbol on pink background.

      Weekly Wrap Up

      Let's reflect on what we've covered this week and take a look at what's coming up next.

  • Week 2

    Classification of Malay words

    • Overjoyed successful woman with Afro hair holding flowers.

      Golongan Kata (Word Classes)

      Learners will understand the word classes that are important in Malay grammar. In addition, learners will be able to understand some basic sentences if they understand the use of word classes.

    • Bearded european man.

      Kata Nafi (Negation)

      In this activity, learners will learn about two Malay negation words: tidak and bukan.

    • Wooden blocks written with past, present and future.

      Penanda Masa (Tenses)

      In this activity, learners will learn about Malay words for describing past, present, and future actions or events.

    • Yellow tulip flowers bouquet.

      Penjodoh Bilangan (Collective Nouns)

      Learners will learn about collective nouns that are used to count units of things, such as people, animals, and places. For example, sejambak bunga (a bouquet of flowers)

    • Pensive female tries to write all creative ideas, holds notepad and pen.

      Weekly wrap up

      Let's reflect on what we've covered this week and take a look at what's coming up next.

  • Week 3

    Introduction to Basic Sentence Patterns

    • Note pad and marker on yellow background.

      Subject and Predicate

      This activity will concentrate on the subjects, predicates, and objects. The sentence's subject is the noun that performs the action on the object, and the predicate is the verb phrase.

    • Smiling girl sitting at table, writing in notebook.

      Pola Ayat Dasar (Basic Sentence Patterns & Structures)

      Basic sentence patterns are the foundation for sentence formation in Malay. Let's explore the core elements of basic sentence patterns in constructing a Malay sentence.

    • Cheerful handsome asian male friend encourage you to keep going.

      What you have learned?

      Let's reflect on what we've covered this week.

    • Happy graphic designers checking on colors for new project.

      Course wrap up

      Congratulations on reaching the final activity. Let's reflect on what we've covered over the past three weeks. There are also reading, writing and speaking practices for you to try. Good luck!

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

  • Available now

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Identify the types and classification of words in Malay
  • Create short paragraphs on selected topics using simple language styles in Malay.
  • Demonstrate spoken skills using simple Malay language in daily conversation.
  • Practice writing and speaking skills using simple Malay sentences.

Who is the course for?

The target audiences of this course are international students who want to further their studies in Malaysia, those who want to live in Malaysia or travel to Malaysia, or anyone who expects to master the basics in the Malay language.

Who will you learn with?

Samsur Rijal Bin Yahaya Samsur

Ph.D in Ethnolinguistic. Spend many years in Indigenous Studies but always back to teach Malay Language for Foreigner. Now he is a Senior Lecturer at University Malaya.

NORFAIZAL JAMAIN

Has a PhD in Malay Language Teaching and Learning for Foreign Speakers. He currently serves as a Language Lecturer at the Faculty of Languages ​​and Linguistics, Universiti Malaya

Who developed the course?

University of Malaya logo

Universiti Malaya

Universiti Malaya is the premier research university in Malaysia, committed to advancing knowledge and learning through quality research and education for the nation and for humanity.

  • Established

    1905
  • Location

    Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • World ranking

    Top 60Source: QS World University Rankings 2021

Ways to learn

Buy this course

Subscribe & save

Limited access

Choose the best way to learn for you!

$54/one-off payment

$244.99 for a whole year

Automatically renews

Free

Fulfill your current learning needDevelop skills to further your careerSample the course materials
Access to this courseticktick

Access expires 5 Mar 2025

Access to 1,000+ coursescrosstickcross
Learn at your own paceticktickcross
Discuss your learning in commentstickticktick
Certificate when you're eligiblePrinted and digitalDigital onlycross
Continue & Upgrade

Cancel for free anytime

Ways to learn

Choose the best way to learn for you!

Subscribe & save

$244.99 for a whole year

Automatically renews

Develop skills to further your career

  • Access to this course
  • Access to 1,000+ courses
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Digital certificate when you're eligible

Cancel for free anytime

Buy this course

$54/one-off payment

Fulfill your current learning need

  • Access to this course
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Printed and digital certificate when you’re eligible

Limited access

Free

Sample the course materials

  • Access expires 5 Mar 2025

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

Sale price available until 3 March 2025 at 23:59 (UTC). T&Cs apply.

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

Sale price available until 3 March 2025 at 23:59 (UTC). T&Cs apply.

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

Want to know more about learning on FutureLearn? Using FutureLearn

Learner reviews

Do you know someone who'd love this course? Tell them about it...