Bahasa Melayu is a language spoken primarily in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei. It is the official language of Malaysia and serves as a lingua franca in the region. The language belongs to the Austronesian family and has various dialects, with Standard Malay being the most widely used. The language has a rich history, influenced by Sanskrit, Arabic, and English due to trade and colonization. Bahasa Melayu uses the Latin alphabet, making it accessible for learners. It plays a crucial role in the cultural identity of the Malay people and is used in education, media, and government.