Learning the Language

Learning even a little Indonesian before your trip is a worthwhile endeavor. Knowing just the bare minimum of Indonesian we were able to navigate around town, purchase food (big deal), and exchange pleasantries with the people we met. The following won't make you fluent in Indonesian, but you'll be able to say "please," "thank you", and "I'm lost" with absolute confidence.

Even if your Indonesian is less than perfect, you can make up for many deficiencies by using the English versions of the above phrases -- frequently and with sincerity. The Indonesian place a great store on politeness, in any language, and will respond to your efforts in kind.

Finally, if some words sound familiar, it's because they are. Many English words have been adopted into the Indonesian language.

General Pronunciation Guide
Bahasa Indonesia (the Indonesian Language) is written in romanised script and pronounced similar to the German alphabets. It is not phonetic.

• "a" is pronounced as in "ah" in an open syllable or in a closed syllable as in "but",
• "e" is pronounced rather mute as in "open" or "bed",
• "u" is pronounced as "oo" as in "foot",
• "i" as "ee" in "feel",
• "o" as in "all".

Special attention should be paid to the letter "c" which is pronounced "ch" as in "change" or "cha", and "r" which is rolled and audible.

• Basic Words and Phrases
• Greetings and Directions
• Emergency and Useful Words
• Months, Days, and Numbers
• Restaurants, Hotels, Transportations

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