Book Resources For Self Instruction

Resource Books

This is a list of some book resources useful for self-instruction in Bahasa Melayu. This caters more to a high novice level but some are useful instructional tools at any level.

• Bahari, Azahar et. al. Focus PT3: Bahasa Melayu. E-book, Pelangi, 2020.
  A native Malaysian textbook fully in Bahasa Melayu originally made for school aged students,. Best for those who are already reading in Bahasa Melayu.

• Ishak Haji Muhammad. Putera Gunung Tahan. E-book, Pustaka Budaya Agency, 1973.
  A collection of Malaysian short stories over a period of 21 years written in the Rumi (Latin script). Most of the stories are at most 10 pages long with some being a little shorter and illustrations are also included.
• Mahmud, Ezzah translator. The Little Prince. By Antoine De Saint-Exupery. Peanutzin, 2015.
  Known by its Bahasa Melayu title “Putra Kecil” this is a personal fun book. The Little Prince is one of my favorite books ever and happens to be right at the level of reading I am aiming for (high intermediate). There are plenty of other children’s books I would love to get my hands on, especially ones from Malaysia but this is sort of my “goal” book so to speak.

• Pinhok Languages. Learn Malay: Quick/Easy/Efficient: 2000 Key Vocabularies. E-book, Smashwords, 2019.
  A beginner to an intermediate book containing common vocabulary for Bahasa Melayu. A great resource for pure vocabulary, though not a step-by-step learning resource. It’s best paired with other resources like dialogues, listening, and other Malay textbooks. It also provides the English translation for Bahasa Melayu words.

• Sulaiman, Othman. Malay for Everyone: Designed to help learners understand grammar & master reading & writing skills. 1990. Peladuk, 2017.
  An English-based instructional book focusing on the grammatical mechanics for Bahasa Melayu as well as introducing vocabulary and examples. A wonderful beginner’s book leading into more complex topics as the chapters progress but mainly focused on reading and writing in formal language rather than speaking.