BERNAMA
Spoken daily by millions in Malaysia, Bahasa Melayu is far more than a national language; it is a linguistic heritage shaped by centuries of history across the Nusantara. Historical records trace its role as a lingua franca as far back as the seventh century during the Sriwijaya Empire, a status that strengthened further under the Melaka Sultanate in the 13th century. It functioned as the language of administration, trade, and diplomacy, connecting diverse communities across the region. Today, despite perceptions that Bahasa Melayu remains confined to Southeast Asia, the language is spoken by an estimated 290 million people worldwide.
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