Languages in Brunei

There are many languages spoken in Brunei, however the official language is Standard Malay. This came into being in 1959 when the Brunei 1959 Constitution was signed. The English language is widely used as a working and business language. It’s also the language of instruction in both secondary and tertiary institutions. Other languages spoken in Brunei include Indian, Chinese and native languages spoken by minority ethnic groups.

Bruneian Culture and Society

The Bruneian Family

The social structure in Brunei revolves around the family, and by family this means extended family, including uncles, aunts, cousins, in addition to close friends. It’s expected that all members of the extended family will remain loyal to each other and the family.

Because of this, Brunei is a hierarchical culture, with position and age being revered. Children from a very young age are taught to subjugate their own wishes for the good of the whole family, and to respect elders without question: they understand that it’s through family support that they’ll succeed in accomplishing their goals.

Because the role of shame, face and honour is crucial to Bruneians, they are extremely polite and well mannered. Of utmost importance is maintaining face, so they strive to not cause any problems or issues which might jeopardise this. Maintaining face means that their communication style is rather indirect and can appear quite ambiguous to those from a culture who are used to direct communication. Bruneians avoid embarrassing another person by being indirect, thus helping that person save face. In general, Bruneians find the emotions of anger, impatience, and irritation embarrassing, and do their best to avoid them because expressing them would result in disharmony and in loss of face.

Religions of Brunei

Because most Bruneians are Muslims, their daily lives involve around the duties granted to them by Islam. As mentioned previously, alcohol is banned from the country, but non-Muslims are allowed pork.  Bruneians practice a tolerant yet devout brand of Islam, which includes devotion whilst allowing other beliefs and faiths. Friday is the Muslim holy day, when everything is closed. Muslims must pray five times each and every day – at dawn, noon, afternoon, sunset and evening. Government offices and many other companies close on Saturday afternoon and Sunday.

Sporting activities and entertainment are suspended and Government staff work a six-hour day during the fast of Ramadan. Each morning, prior to beginning work, the Sultan encourages the recital of the Quran in order to Allah’s guidance and blessing.

The Monarchy of Brunei

The Bruneians are extremely proud of their centuries of royal heritage, and to be the last Malay Islamic Monarchy in the world. The Sultan of Brunei’s family-line dates back to the year 1405. His Majesty, Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, was made the 29th ruler of Brunei in 1967, and in 1984 he led his country’s independence from the United Kingdom.

Eging Translation

As any experienced translator will tell you, translation is both a science and an art. Besides industry specific expertise, translation also requires a thorough understanding of cultural nuances. In addition, a successful translator will have excellent writing skills and up-to-date technology skills.