Culture of Brunei

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Residents of Tutong during a performance in 2023.

The culture of Brunei is strongly influenced by Malay culture and Islam. The culture is also influenced by the demographic makeup of the country: more than two-thirds of the population are Malay, and the remainder consists of Chinese, Indians and indigenous groups such as Muruts, Dusuns and Kedayans.[1] While Standard Malay is the official language of Brunei, languages such as Brunei Malay and English are more commonly spoken.

Islam is the official religion of Brunei and Brunei has implemented Sharia since 2014.

Language

A sign with both English and Malay instructions.

Malay dialects spoken by indigenous communities,[3] such as Dayak and Iban.[2] Usage of such Malay dialects has been on the decline due to assimilation of such ethnic culture with the mainstream culture; some varieties of these dialects are at risk of becoming extinct.[3]

English language is also used in Brunei.[2] It is taught at both primary and secondary levels in Brunei schools and frequently seen in street signage throughout the country.[2] Mandarin Chinese, the language used by the sizable minority Chinese community, is widely used as well.[4] Although not officially recognized, the language is taught at certain Chinese-run schools and as an elective subject at the state-run Universiti Brunei Darussalam.[4] Chinese dialects such as Hokkien are commonly spoken in the Chinese community,[4] although their usage has been declining as the younger generation pick up Mandarin Chinese at the expense of dialects.[3]

Arts

Religion

Kampong Telisai Mosque

Shafi'i sect of that religion", although it also guarantees religious freedom, albeit with restrictions.[5] The ruling monarch
is depicted as the defender of Islam in the country under a system known as Malay Islamic Monarchy,[6] while the state's Ministry of Religious Affairs officially promotes Islam in Brunei.[7]

In 2014, Brunei controversially adopted

Sharia law, becoming the first South-East Asian country to do so.[6] These laws applies to non-Muslims in the country and has been criticized by international organisations such as the United Nations and Amnesty International.[8] Prior to the introduction of Sharia law, Brunei has already adopted religiously motivated laws such as the prohibition of the sales of alcohol in the country.[8]

proselytize or to try and convert others into their faith.[7] A Non-Muslim woman marrying a Muslim is required by law to convert into Islam.[7]

Cuisine

Sports

A football match being played during the 2023 Brunei Super League.

Football is an extremely popular sport in Brunei.[9]

Brunei athletes has competed on the world stage in competitions such as the

1999 Southeast Asian Games.[13]

Symbols, flags and emblems

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d "The World Factbook: Brunei". Central Intelligence Agency. Retrieved 2015-11-09.
  2. ^ .
  3. ^ .
  4. ^ .
  5. ^ "Brunei" (PDF). United States Department of State. Retrieved 2015-11-10.
  6. ^ a b "Brunei country profile". BBC. 15 August 2015. Retrieved 2015-11-10.
  7. ^ a b c d "Windows on Asia: Brunei - Religion". Asian Studies Center, Michigan State University. Archived from the original on 2015-11-17. Retrieved 2015-11-10.
  8. ^ a b "Brunei adopts sharia law amid international outcry". CNN. 1 May 2014. Retrieved 2015-11-10.
  9. Brunei Times. 2 June 2010. Archived from the original
    on 8 March 2016. Retrieved 2015-11-10.
  10. ^ a b Lee Adams, William (5 July 2012). "Trailblazer: Meet Brunei's First Female Olympian — Ever". Time. Retrieved 2015-11-10.
  11. ^ "Brunei". Olympic Council of Asia. Retrieved 2015-11-10.
  12. ^ Fraser, Graham (5 November 2013). "Brunei's history-maker Maziah Mahusin targets Glasgow 2014". BBC. Retrieved 2015-11-10.
  13. ^ "Commonwealth Games:Brunei Darussalam". Commonwealth Games Federation. Archived from the original on 2007-10-26. Retrieved 2015-11-10.

External links