The Malay language, or Bahasa Melayu, has a rich history deeply rooted in the Southeast Asian region, particularly in the Malay Archipelago. It belongs to the Austronesian language family and has been spoken for centuries by the Malay people, who primarily inhabit parts of modern-day Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Singapore, and southern Thailand. Early Malay traces its origins to Old Malay, used in inscriptions from as early as the 7th century in the Srivijaya Empire. The language spread through trade, maritime exploration, and the influence of Indian, Arabic, and later European colonial powers, particularly the Portuguese, Dutch, and British. The language evolved over time, absorbing vocabulary and grammar from Sanskrit, Arabic, and European languages, due to cultural and religious exchanges.

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In the 20th century, the Malay language underwent significant standardization, particularly with the rise of nationalism and efforts to unify the diverse communities in Southeast Asia. It was officially adopted as the national language of Malaysia and Indonesia, where it is known as Bahasa Malaysia and Bahasa Indonesia, respectively. The development of a standardized form of the language helped unify the various regional dialects spoken across the Malay-speaking world. Today, the language is widely spoken, not only in Southeast Asia but also by millions of speakers globally, with a significant presence in literature, media, education, and international diplomacy. Its evolution continues as it adapts to modern technology and global communication.​