Tourism, Culture and Society

Language

Indonesian is the national language used in the education system and for all administrative purposes, it also now widely used. Bahasa Indonesia allows non- Balinese working and living in Bali to communicate with the Balinese in work places and throughout Bali. However, Bahasa Bali is spoken by all Balinese. The language is a member of the Malayo-Austronesian language family. Children are brought up to speak Balinese as their first language by thier families.

Balinese often speak in Indonesian in work places however once they enter their villages they will revert to Balinese.

Some basic words in Balinese language according to the 3 levels, credits to lowlands-l

In the past, Bahasa Bali used to have multiple levels but overtime these levels have been reduced to only 3 forms. Balinese has 3 main forms and many variations. The 3 main forms are Ida / Basa alus (high), Ipun / Basa Bali Madia (Middle / Polite) and Ia / Basa kasar (low).

Upon meeting a stranger, a person would usually use the middle language, Basa Bali Madia and address the person. Once the level of caste is determined, both parties will use the appropriate levels to converse.

The 4 main castes in Bali are Brahmana, Ksatria, Wesia and Sudra.
•Brahmana (priest) caste
•Ksatria (rulers, warriors) caste
•Wesia (merchants and officials) caste
•Sudra (rice growers) caste

For example a person from a higher caste speaking to another form the lower caste will use the Basa Kasar. On the other hand the person from the lower caste will reply using the Basa alus. In everyday life, Basa Kasar is used to be spoken to friends and families while the middle language is spoken to strangers.

English
Another language that the Balinese have picked up is English due to tourism. Because locals work in hotels, shops and attractions they are required to know Basic English which enables them to converse with the tourists and understand them. In addition, many Balinese have also picked up a variety of language such as French, Japanese or even German. Some of the older generations are even able to speak Dutch. With tourism rapidly growing in Bali, in the near future all Balinese would be able to speak English. This language may even be more commonly used than Indonesian or Balinese if the younger generations become influenced by the westerners.