Greeting someone is an essential part of Sabahan culture. It’s important to show respect and friendliness when meeting new people or familiar faces. In Sabah, a state located in Malaysia, greetings vary depending on the formality and the region. Whether you are in urban areas or rural communities, understanding how to say hello in Sabah will help you make a positive impression. In this guide, we’ll cover both formal and informal ways to greet others, along with regional variations if necessary.
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Formal Greetings
When it comes to formal greetings, Sabahans often use polite language to show respect. Here are a few ways to say hello formally:
- “Selamat pagi” – This phrase is used to greet someone in the morning. It translates to “Good morning” in English.
- “Selamat petang” – This phrase is used to greet someone in the afternoon or evening. It translates to “Good afternoon” or “Good evening.”
- “Selamat sejahtera” – This is a formal greeting used throughout the day. It translates to “Good day” in English and can be used as a general hello.
When meeting someone for the first time or in a professional setting, it’s appropriate to address them using their title and name. For example, if you are greeting a teacher named Ahmad, you would say, “Selamat pagi, Encik Ahmad” (Good morning, Mr. Ahmad).
Informal Greetings
Sabahans are generally friendly and warm-hearted people, so informal greetings are quite common. Here are some informal ways to say hello in Sabah:
- “Hai” – This is a simple and casual way to say hello, similar to the English word “Hi.”
- “Apa khabar?” – This phrase translates to “How are you?” in English. It’s a common way to start a conversation with friends or acquaintances.
- “Apa khabar? Baik-baik saja?” – This phrase translates to “How are you? Are you well?” in English. It’s a slightly more concerned way to ask about someone’s well-being.
When greeting friends or peers, Sabahans often use an affectionate tone and may touch each other’s arms or shoulders as a sign of friendship.
Regional Variations
Sabah is home to various ethnic groups, including the Kadazan-Dusun, Bajau, Murut, and many more. While the above mentioned formal and informal phrases are commonly used throughout Sabah, there can be slight regional variations in greetings based on the ethnic background. Here are a couple of examples:
Kadazan-Dusun:
The Kadazan-Dusun ethnic group, one of the largest indigenous communities in Sabah, has its own unique greetings:
“Lotud” – This is a traditional greeting used by the Lotud people. It can be used in both formal and informal settings.
“Tandar” – This is a formal greeting used by the Tandar people. It is similar to “Selamat sejahtera” in the Malay language.
Bajau:
The Bajau ethnic group, known for their seafaring heritage, has its own way of greeting:
“Penyu tengisi” – This is an informal greeting used by Bajau people. It refers to the smile of a sea turtle and is used to greet friends and family.
It’s worth noting that while these regional variations exist, most Sabahans are familiar with the common Malay greetings discussed earlier and will appreciate the effort you make in using them.
Tips for Greeting in Sabah
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when greeting others in Sabah:
- Smile – A warm smile is a universal way to show friendliness and make a positive impression.
- Use appropriate titles – When greeting someone formally, using their title (such as Encik for Mr. or Puan for Mrs./Ms.) followed by their name is respectful.
- Maintain eye contact – When greeting someone, maintaining eye contact shows attentiveness and sincerity.
- Respond to greetings – If someone greets you, it’s polite to respond with the appropriate greeting. For example, if someone says “Selamat pagi,” you can reply with “Selamat pagi” or “Selamat pagi juga” (Good morning to you too).
- Observe local customs – Sabah is a culturally diverse state, so it’s important to be mindful of local customs and traditions when greeting others.
Remember, greetings are a way to show respect and build connections with others. Whether you choose a formal or informal greeting, Sabahans will appreciate your effort to learn their language and culture.
Greeting others in Sabah is a wonderful opportunity to experience the warmth and friendliness of the local people. By using the appropriate greetings and showcasing your respect, you’ll create lasting positive impressions and forge meaningful connections during your time in this beautiful Malaysian state.
