The Malay keyboard is an essential tool for people wanting to type in the Malay language, which uses a combination of the Latin script (Rumi) and Arabic characters (Jawi). Malay, also known as Bahasa Melayu, is the official language of Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia and is spoken by millions of people across Southeast Asia.
Typing in Malay can be done using both Rumi and Jawi scripts, though nowadays Rumi is more commonly used as it is based on the same Latin alphabet as English. However, the Jawi script, using Arabic characters, is still in use today, particularly for religious and formal writing. Therefore, mastering the Malay keyboard would involve familiarizing yourself with both Rumi and Jawi characters, as well as Malay phonetics that differ from their English and Arabic counterparts.
There are various online resources available to practice typing in Malay, like LEXILOGOS Malayalam Keyboard and LEXILOGOS Jawi Keyboard. By using these tools, users can become proficient in Malay typing and expand their ability to communicate effectively in this widely-spoken Asian language.
Types of Malay Keyboards
The Malay language can be typed using different types of keyboards. In this section, we will discuss two main types of Malay keyboards: the Jawi keyboard and the Rumi keyboard.
Jawi Keyboard
The Jawi keyboard is used for inputting text in the Jawi script, which is an Arabic-derived script used for writing Malay. The Jawi script is widely used in educational institutions and religious texts. The Jawi keyboard layout is often similar to other Arabic keyboard layouts, with some modifications to include specific Malay characters.
While the Jawi keyboard is not as common as the Rumi keyboard, it is still essential for those who wish to type in Jawi script, particularly for religious or academic purposes.
Rumi Keyboard
The Rumi keyboard is the standard Malay keyboard layout used for typing Malay text in Latin script. This keyboard is widely used in Malaysia and is the default layout for most computer keyboards and virtual keyboards in the country.
Typing in the Malay language using the Rumi keyboard is similar to typing in English. The keyboard layout has the same QWERTY design, with some additional characters to accommodate Malay-specific characters and diacritics.
The Rumi keyboard is the preferred choice for most Malay speakers for its ease of use, accessibility, and versatility in accommodating various Malay writing styles.
Input Methods
Virtual Keyboards
Virtual keyboards offer a convenient input method for Malay typing on devices without a physical keyboard, such as tablets and touch-screen laptops. These keyboards allow users to input Malay characters by tapping on the screen.
One popular option for virtual Malay keyboards is Google Input Tools, which supports Malay language input for Windows devices. Google Input Tools offer transliteration and handwriting input methods, enabling users to enjoy a seamless typing experience in their preferred style.
Mobile Applications
Several mobile applications are available for Malay typing on smartphones and tablets. These applications offer Malay keyboards that can easily integrate with the device’s default keyboard settings. This allows users to type Malay characters and symbols on their mobile devices effortlessly.
Typically, mobile keyboard applications support a wide range of input methods, including transliteration and virtual keyboards. Some even offer gesture typing and predictive text features to enhance the overall typing experience.