Balinese

So why learn Balinese when everyone on Bali speaks Bahasa Indonesia (BI)? Well, I have never been in a place where people are more overjoyed by your attempt to speak their language than in Bali. Why? Perhaps because their language is under pressure from Bahasa Indonesian, perhaps also because they are an exceptionally exuberant and friendly culture anyway, and also maybe because the language can be difficult to pronounce and as a result they never hear Westerners speaking it. For whatever reason, trying to speak colloquial Balinese always astonished people on Bali and resulted in immediate smiles and warmth (and lower prices and lots of help in speaking and learning and whatever else one was trying to accomplish). I can guarantee it is quite an astounding experience, nothing like the response one gets to their basic Spanish or rudimentary French in other parts of the world.

[Tracey]

I will try to remeber some & start practising with Gede tonight, although I myself have been really ill for about 10 days now....!

Thanks.... Interesting!

[Roy]

Doc, keep it up! Excellent! These are a few I've picked up from my wife over the years:

Please........Sugra
Thank you.........Matur suksma
My name is.......Wastan tiang...
What is your name?.....Sira wastan jerone?
I am from....Tiang uling....
What is your morning or best price for this?....Aji kuda harga pasne?


They seem to work OK...my problem is in understanding the replies! :oops:

[Tracey]

Roy that's me in Indonesian... :?
I may be able to ask a few questions & chat about stuff, I know (often) what I am saying, but have no idea of the replies as it's so quick... I tend to stop dead in my tracks & just grin, like a fool... But then again anyone that knows me, thinks I am a fool... A nice one tho!?
You guys just keep it up OK! :oops: :oops: :oops:
I meant the Balinese language lesson!!!!! :shock:

[Roy]

Just so you know Tracey...that's me too in Indonesian :!: :oops: :oops: :oops:

Sad fact is, if it ain't in English, saya tidak megerti! :shock:

[made marko]

MATUR SUKSMA! Guru Driver!
I have seached the web for somthing like you have started to no avail.
I DO hope you and everyone will continue.
VERY COOL &:~)

[marisa]

This is so great. Here are a few:

Nawegang Excuse me. (used to ask permission)

Ampura(yang) Sorry, when you make a mistake.

The answer to Suksema is "Yes", or "Inggih"

Sapunapi gatrane? How is your news? or How are You?

Becik-pisan worry free

Sedeng makaya napi mangkin? What are you doing now?

Out of space, I think......

[Tracey]

Excellent keep them coming you lot & before we know it we will all be fluent!!!

Oh Roy, you telling me tha has made me happy, as I am not the only language, lazy one here!!!?

[Irislahay]

Hi...

I was very surprised to know that many expatriate can speak Balinese language. I am Balinese and I am very happy about this. Actually, the reason why the people prefer to speak Indonesian is because Balinese language use many different level for different people, same like French language.

Marissa and Roy, you use high level of Balinese. It's really good to get new connections. :wink: