The Malay language, which has evolved over centuries, has been shaped by various influences, from indigenous languages to foreign invaders.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the Malay language is its deep roots in classical Malay, also known as “Old Malay,” which was used in literature, governance, and daily life before modern influences began to change the language.
Classical Malay contains words borrowed from many languages, such as Sanskrit, Arabic, Persian, Tamil, and Chinese, which have left a lasting impact on the language.
Many of these old Malay words are no longer commonly used in modern-day conversations but are still important for understanding the language’s rich history.
As time has passed, many of these old Malay words have been replaced by modern equivalents.
For instance, words from Sanskrit, such as kencana for gold, have been replaced by emas.
Likewise, Persian terms like tabib for doctor have evolved into the modern doktor.
This post explores some of these fascinating old Malay words, their origins, and the modern Malay equivalents that have taken their place.
We’ll also explore the history behind these words and how they fit into the development of the Malay language over time.
Table Of Contents
Old Malay Words Sourced from 4 Major Languages In Classical Malay Period
Classical Malay is rich with loanwords from several languages influential in the region due to trade, religion, and colonialism.
The most notable sources of old Malay words include Sanskrit, Arabic, Persian, Tamil, and many more.
Each of these influences has contributed significantly to the lexicon of classical Malay, with many words that were once in common use now being replaced by modern variants.
In the following sections, we will explore how these languages influenced the Old Malay vocabulary, showcasing words that have since fallen out of regular use in modern Malay.
We’ll also take a look at the modern replacements and how the language has evolved over time.
Understanding these old words helps us appreciate the depth of Malay’s history and gives us insight into the cultural and historical exchanges that shaped the language.
Sanskrit-Origin Words
| English | Sanskrit | Old Malay | Modern Malay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold | काञ्चन (Kāñcana) | Kencana | Emas |
| Temple | देवालय (Devālaya) | Dewalaya | Kuil |
| Knowledge | विज्ञान (Vijñāna) | Wijnana | Pengetahuan |
| Medicine | औषध (Auṣadha) | Usada | Ubat |
| Heaven | स्वर्ग (Svarga) | Swarga | Syurga |
| Festival | उत्सव (Utsava) | Utsava | Perayaan |
| Wealth | सम्पत्ति (Sampatti) | Sampatti | Kekayaan |
Sanskrit has profoundly influenced the Malay language, particularly during the classical period when Hinduism and Buddhism were prominent in Southeast Asia.
Words like kencana (gold) and dewalaya (temple) come from Sanskrit and were used extensively in classical Malay texts.
Many of these Sanskrit loanwords reflected the cultural exchange between the Indian subcontinent and the Malay archipelago, particularly in religion, governance, and culture.
However, as Malay evolved and modernized, many of these Malay words from Sanskrit were replaced with more simplified or localized terms.
Arabic-Origin Words
The spread of Islam in Southeast Asia brought with it an influx of Arabic words, especially in the domains of religion, law, and administration.
Classical Malay borrowed heavily from Arabic to incorporate new concepts such as kitab “book” and din (religion).
Though many of these Arabic words are still in use today, some older versions have fallen out of favor, replaced by more modern or simpler alternatives.
Arabic’s influence is deeply embedded in the structure of the Malay language, especially in formal and religious contexts.
| English | Arabic | Old Malay | Modern Malay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Book | كتاب (Kitāb) | Kitab | Buku |
| Religion | دين (Dīn) | Din | Agama |
| Market | سوق (Sūq) | Suq | Pasar |
| Light | نور (Nūr) | Nur | Cahaya |
| Star | نجم (Najm) | Najam | Bintang |
| Heart | قلب (Qalb) | Kalbu | Hati |
| Month | شهر (Shahr) | Syahr | Bulan |
| Science | علم (‘Ilm) | Ilmu | Pengetahuan |
| Victory | نصر (Naṣr) | Nasr | Kemenangan |
Persian-Origin Words
The Persian influence on Malay occurred largely through trade and cultural exchanges during the early centuries of Islam’s spread in Southeast Asia.
Persian words such as diwan (office) were adopted into Old Malay and became important in developing the language.
Over time, these Persian words were gradually replaced by more modern equivalents, influenced by Arabic or Western languages.
However, the Persian influence remains significant in the historical development of Malay.
| English | Persian | Old Malay | Modern Malay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Office | دیوان (Divān) | Diwan | Pejabat |
| Library | کتابخانه (Kutubkhānah) | Khutubkhanah | Perpustakaan |
| Poet | رومی (Rūmī) | Rumi | Penyair |
| Pen | قلم (Qalam) | Qalam | Pena |
| Market | بازار (Bāzār) | Bazar | Pasar |
| King | شاه (Shāh) | Syah | Raja |
| Garden | گلستان (Gulistān) | Gulistan | Taman |
| Paradise | فردوس (Firdaws) | Firdaus | Syurga |
| Emerald | زمرد (Zamrūd) | Zamrud | Permata Hijau |
| Love | عشق (Ishq) | Ishq | Cinta |
Tamil-Origin Words
Tamil, one of the main languages in the Indian subcontinent, also contributed to Old Malay.
The influence of Tamil is particularly evident in terms related to trade, daily life, and cultural practices.
Words such as “halwa” (sweets) and “manisan” (sweets) are derived from Tamil.
These words reflect the strong historical ties between Malay people and Tamil traders and settlers in the region.
Many of these words have been supplanted by simpler, more modern terms in the Malay language today.
| English | Tamil | Old Malay | Modern Malay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Platform | மண்டபம் (Maṇṭapam) | Mandaram | Pentas |
| Waterfall | அருவி (Aruvi) | Aruvi | Air Terjun |
| Mother | அம்மா (Amma) | Amma | Ibu |
| Bridge | பாலம் (Pālam) | Paalam | Jambatan |
| Fence | வேலி (Vēli) | Veli | Pagar |
| Village | பாட்டி (Pāṭṭi) | Patti | Kampung |
| Younger Brother | தம்பி (Tampi) | Thamby | Adik Lelaki |
| Elder Brother | அண்ணா (Aṇṇā) | Annan | Abang |
| Necklace | தாலி (Tāli) | Thali | Rantai Leher |
| Harbor | துறை (Tuṟai) | Thurai | Pelabuhan |
We can see how the language has evolved over centuries by examining these old Malay words and their replacements in modern Malay.
While many of these classical terms are no longer commonly used, they continue to reflect the diverse cultural influences that have shaped Malay into today’s language.
How Do You Say Old Malay Words In Malay?
In Malay, old Malay words can be referred to as perkataan Melayu Klasik.
This term highlights words from the classical Malay language, a historical form of Malay used in early manuscripts and inscriptions.
These words often originate from ancient scripts like Sanskrit, Arabic, or Persian, showcasing the linguistic diversity that influenced Malay’s evolution.
Examples include kencana (gold) and kitab (book), which are rarely used today but hold cultural and historical significance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Old Malay Words
What Is The Old Language Of The Malay?
In Malay history, “Old Malay” refers specifically to the language used between the 3rd and 14th centuries, characterized by Indian influences and early inscriptions in Pallava and Nagari scripts.
However, discussing the old “forms” of Malay would also encompass “Classical Malay,” spanning the 14th to 18th centuries.
Classical Malay evolved with Islamic influence, incorporating Arabic and Persian elements, and served as the lingua franca of the Malay world during the height of the Malacca Sultanate.
What Are The Origins Of The Malay Words?
Malay words originate from a blend of local and foreign influences, showcasing the region’s rich history.
Indigenous Austronesian roots provide a foundational lexicon, while Sanskrit added cultural and religious vocabulary during ancient trade.
The arrival of Islam introduced Arabic terms, while Persian, Tamil, and Chinese enriched it further through commerce and cultural exchange.
Colonial interactions brought Dutch, Portuguese, and English loanwords In Malay, making the language dynamic and adaptive, reflecting centuries of global interaction.
What Is The Oldest Malay Manuscript?
The oldest Malay manuscript is the Hikayat Raja Pasai, a 14th-century text chronicling the history of the Pasai Sultanate.
However, the earliest known Malay writing is the 7th-century Kedukan Bukit inscription, discovered in Sumatra, written in Pallava script.
It provides insight into early Classical Malay and highlights its Sanskrit influence.
These writings mark the transition of Malay from an oral tradition to a literary language, reflecting its role in early Southeast Asian civilization.
Now You Know Some Etymological History Of Malay!
This blog explored the fascinating history of the Malay language, emphasizing its historical roots under Old Malay Words Sourced from 4 Influential Languages In Classical Malay Period.
We also dived into What Are The Origins Of The Malay Words? and discovered the influence of languages like Sanskrit, Arabic, Persian, and Tamil in shaping classical Malay.
The section What Is The Oldest Malay Manuscript? revealed how ancient texts like the Terengganu Inscription Stone give us glimpses into the past.
If you’re passionate about diving deeper into Malay, learning the language can be a rewarding journey.
Tools like the Ling app make this process enjoyable and flexible by offering personalized lessons, engaging quizzes, and practical tools to practice speaking Malay confidently.
Whether you’re intrigued by the historical roots of Malay or aiming to use it in daily life, Ling is your ultimate companion.
Ready to embark on your language-learning adventure? Download Ling today!
