HISTORICALLY SPEAKING MALAYSIA PATCH PROGRAM
complete 3 requirements to earn this patch
you can print this page and share it with others

1. Malaysia is located in Southeast Asia. The country consists of two parts: East Malaysia and West Malaysia. Malaysia consists of 13 states and 3 federal territories. Find out what the capital is and what the flag looks like.

2. The official language of Malaysia is Bahasa Malaysia, a standard form of Malay. Chinese is the second largest language spoken in Malaysia. There are also multiple dialects of Malay spoken and other small languages spoken all around the different regions. Learn a couple words in the standard Malaysian language.

3. With the combination of the three main groups of people living in Malaysia, the Malays, Chinese, and Indians, there are a multitude of festivals celebrated throughout the year in Malaysia. Festivals such as the Chinese New Year and Chao Goh Mei are celebrated among the Chinese population, Thaiponggal and Thaipusam are Hindu festivals and Hari Raya Puasa, Hari Raya Haji and Ma'al Hijrah are Muslim festivals. Learn about festivals in Malaysia, go to a festival, participate in one, OR complete a craft that represents a festival.

4. Rice is a staple in every diet of the Malaysian culture. Because of the many cultures dominating Malaysia, the food is a unique fusion of many cultures. Each day, fresh food is purchased from the many markets surrounding the streets. Fish is another popular dish that is served in many ways in Malaysia. Try a recipe, food, or drink from Malaysia.

5. There are many traditional dances in Malaysia because of the large array of cultures. Few Malaysians learn the dances thoroughly, and those who are serious about learning Malaysian dance go through rigorous training. Dances are focused on slow and complicated movements. Malaysian music is mostly percussive, with gongs being an important part of traditional music. Watch a dance OR listen to music OR sing a song OR learn more information about a dance from Malaysia and try your own moves.

6. Legends and stories of Malaysia reflect the many cultural backgrounds in Malaysia today. Folk Tales and nature poetry make up many of Malaysia's early literature. Read a story, legend, OR listen to a legend or play.

7. Since Malaysia is located between China and India, it served as a natural trading interchange between these two trading capitals. Over the centuries, traders brought their culture to Malaysia. Many of Malaysia's cultural traditions today are reflected in the many cultures that traded over the last thousands of years ago. Learn more about cultures, traditions, and customs in Malaysia.

8. Malaysia iis about the size of New Mexico. The best known national park is Taman Negara. Wildlife is heavily preserved in the park. Birds, butterfly's and a vast array of mammals including tigers and wild buffalo inhabit this park. Choose [3] animals OR plants from Malaysia to learn more about.

9. One of Malaysia's most distinctive handicrafts is called batik. Batik is a very uniquely patterned and vibrantly colored cloth. Batik material is used for clothing, tablecloths, curtains, and many other fabrics. Other handicrafts include woodcarving and jewelry making. Create a craft or project using a traditional a skill OR jewelry OR observe someone creating a handicraft OR a traditional craft from Malaysia.

10. Malaysians wear festive costumes for special occasions and festivals in order to look well put together and respectful to the host. On weekdays, and normal business days, men and women wear traditional street garb. Festive costumes are colorful, and combine shiny materials with paper flowers, sequins and silver jewelry. Draw a picture of the clothing, dress up in a Malaysian themed costume, create an accessory, complete our paper dolls OR view traditional clothing through books or the Internet or our country manual.

11.There are a variety of games played by children in Malaysia. Learn a traditional game OR play a game that symbolizes Malaysia OR play a game in our manual.