I like Sabah, a lot, and so will you once you visit. What I don’t like is the utterly confusing use of the word “bah” by Sabahans.
Ok, I kind of like it. Mainly because it is some kind of secret code word that only Sabahans say to each other and somehow understand how to use appropriately. Let’s try and crack the Bah riddle!
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The Malay language
Probably one of the easiest languages you will ever try and learn. It has the added advantage of being used in Indonesia, Singapore and Brunei.
The lack of masculinity, the use of a single word to mean many different words in English, and the fact native speakers combine Malay and English in everyday conversation, make it easy to get started.
What does the word bah mean?
Informally in Sabah it loosely means “okay”. In standard Malay, it actually means “big wave”. In Sarawak, bah is used – but not as obsessively as it is in Sabah. In Peninsular Malaysia, well they hate the over use of the word bah in the east.
A quick Google search will suggest that it can be used as a prefix or suffix for almost any phrase. Very helpful la. If you ask a Sabahan about how and when to use the term “bah”, then the response will be – “Well, we just use it bah”
I’ve been told by Sabahans that it usually comes at the end of a phrase or sentence, and that it loosely resembles “okay”. To further complicate the bah riddle, it is common for locals to say “okay bah” – clearly then, this translates to “okay okay”. On a recent trip to Sabah, I even heard a response given as “bah bah bah”. Bagus2.
When to use bah
Given the above, it is safe to assume bah is predominantly used as a substitute for, or emphasis for Ok.
So, as a foreigner visiting Sabah – give it a go. Even as a response to a yes or no question at a café or a restaurant – “yes bah” or “no bah”. If used with respect it will go a long way, and is certain to put a smile on the face of the Sabahans you meet on your travels!
Go one step further – Learn some Malay phrases to order food
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