Culture and language

Isolation

 

The Cocos Malay people of Home Island in the Cocos Keeling Islands have a history of isolation from the outside world. Few outsiders have lived among them and little has been recorded of their cultural practices and traditions.

 

The tiny society of about 600 people has been held together for more than 150 years by geographical isolation, shared religious beliefs, strong family loyalty and a unique version of the old 'Trading Malay' language of the East Indies.

 

 

 

First settlers

 

The first group of settlers were brought to the islands as workers by the merchant Alexander Hare in 1826. They were mostly Malay with a number of people of Chinese, Papuan and Indian descent, and possibly some of African heritage.

The settlers came from such places as Bali, Bima, Celebes, Madura, Sumbawa, Timor, Sumatra, Pasir-Kutai, Malacca, Penang, Batavia and Cerebon.

 

 

 

Language

 

The Malay dialect spoken by the Cocos Malay people today is an oral language. It contains words that reflect their diverse origins and their history of irregular contact with outsiders. Modern interpretation is given in Bahasa Indonesia/Malay with some adaptation to local usage.

 

 

Unique identity

 

Despite their mixed origins, the Cocos Malay people achieved an identity of their own within one generation of settlement on the Cocos Keeling Islands. The 'Cocos-born', as they were officially called, lived separately from the European owner-settlers of the islands. The Cocos Malay people had their own mosques, their own leaders and their own ceremonies.

 

Elements of the English-Scottish traditions of the early ruling Hare and Clunies-Ross families have been absorbed into Cocos Malay culture. Some foods, dances and musical influences been passed down through generations, for example, many events are still celebrated by dancing Scottish reels accompanied by violins.

 

Today the cornerstone of Cocos Malay society is the Islamic religion. Few depart from its teachings and observances, and Islam is the focus of most people's lives.

 

 

Cultural tips

 

• When dressing modestly for a visit to Home Island, shoulders and knees should be covered but please make sure you are comfortable for the weather conditions.

• Entry to the mosque can only be in the company of a Cocos Malay person.

• Please ask permission before photographing residents.

 

English                                                                                   Cocos Malay

 Hi                                                                                                  Hai

 Good afternoon                                                                   Selamat siang

 Good morning                                                                     Selamat pagi

 Good afternoon (after 2pm)                                                Selamat sore

 Good evening / night                                                          Selamat malam

 See you later                                                                       Jumpa lagi

 Goodbye                                                                             Selamat tinggal / jalan

 Goodnight                                                                           Selamat tidur

 How are you?                                                                       Apa kabar?

 I'm fine                                                                                 Baik