Product Description

Malaysia is cited as one of ABTA's 'Hot Spots' for 2007.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #25851 in Books
• Published on: 2008-03-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 316 pages

Customer Reviews

Great Book
Initially I was rather dubious about buying this book as I wanted to learn as much Malay as possible and it seemed so small! I additionally purchased a CD & book set, but it is the compact Lonely Planet book which has been getting the most use. It is very easy to pick up and read, and as well as teaching the language, it has interesting comments on culture and history. Thoroughly recommended, and compact enough to take everywhere with you!

An easy to follow beginners guide in learning Malay
This guide covers all the basics making your stay in Malaysia that little bit easier , as all basic and intermediate phases are covered. With a little luck you will be able to get food and drink and a roof over your head, and more importantly you will know how to order that all important pint of local beer, and know which foods not to eat.

Complete but annoyingly formatted
The phrasebook has evolved a long way since the first edition which I owned in the early 90s; though that might have been an Indonesian phrasebook (the languages are very similar). This edition (3rd) covers a vast ranges of topics with ample vocabulary. The two-way dictionary and a section on the essentials of Malay grammar are included.

My only gripe is the format, which is English, followed by the corresponding Malay phrase in Anglicised spelling, followed by Malay. Like Spanish, Malay is written phonetically. Anyone who has an average sized brain will easily be able to pronounce a Malay word from the way it is spelt. Therefore I am not convinced the pronunciation for each phrase and dictionary item in Anglicised spelling* is even necessary. I personally find Malay spelling easier to read than the superfluous Anglicised spelling they've used. At least it should have been shunted to the side of the page so you can ignore it.

* They call it a 'transliteration system', but normally that means representing words in an entirely different script.