Common languages and dialects in Kuala Lumpur 2024

What are the most common languages spoken in Kuala Lumpur?

seven local experts

Recent advice...Aaron Buchem on Dimapur, India: xDimapur, located in the northeastern state of Nagaland, is a prominent city known for its vibrant culture and rich traditions, blended with a touch of modernity. With a majority of… Read more ›

Recent advice...Bill on Dallas, United States: xDallas is a friendly City in North Texas. It is a Major city both of Texas and the US. The cost of living is reasonable but getting higher. Crime is… Read more ›

Recent advice...Dan on Shakopee, United States: xThe winters can be very cold so be ready. Nice in the spring, summer and fall. Not a lot of restaurant options. Read more ›

Recent advice...Mrs on Martinez, United States: xThis small city is located just over two hours from the beach, the mountains and the bigger cities, well populated with military retirees from other States as well as other… Read more ›

Recent advice...Mike on Reykjavík, Iceland: xIt’s expensive, but not in an over-the-top way for things like dining out (though hold the alcohol) or even groceries. Reykjavik is a pleasant place to live for a while… Read more ›

Recent advice...Cathrene on Cape Town, South Africa: xIf you are moving to Cape Town you will need to know that you are moving to the capital city for tourism. There is everything here, from the ocean, mountains,… Read more ›

Recent advice...peter on Bangkok, Thailand: xGreat nightlife, food and culture. The ultimate holiday experience. Read more ›

Recent advice...Agata on Shingletown, United States: xShingletown, is not really a “town” – there is no town center or a main street. It’s a zipcode-based, long and wide location in far northern California. As it’s in… Read more ›

Recent advice...Erika on Constantia Park – Pretoria, South Africa: xPretoria is a modern city with poorer areas surrounding the centre. It is safe enough to live in, but you have to be vigilant, because serious crime is a problem… Read more ›

Recent advice...Johan on Adana, Turkey: xIf you move to Adana be ready for unexpected power outages, street wedding parties that last all day and night, the azan blasting 5 times a day, flowed by a… Read more ›

Recent advice...John on Atlanta, United States: xAtlanta has temperate weather and a diverse population. It was the home of Martin Luther King and other major figures of the 1960s, American Civil Rights Movement. Read more ›

Recent advice...David on Mangaldan, Philippines: xMangaladan, is a good if a bit dusty in the dry season place to live. I have been here 4 years now and no troubles. The people are vary friendly. Read more ›

Recent advice...Carolyn on Austin, United States: xIf you’re moving to Austin you need to know that HEB is the best grocery store, so definitely choose your living situation to be close to a good one. If… Read more ›

Recent advice...Amy on Tucson, United States: xHousing is affordable and each area has good infrastructure (grocery stores, dentists, doctors, restaurants). Be prepared to enjoy the heat in the summer! Read more ›

Recent advice...Winnie on Nairobi, Kenya: xIt is the city under the sun. The only city with a national park in it. It is the fastest growing city in East Africa. The people are kind and… Read more ›

Recent advice...K on Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei: xThere’s no opportunity for a long-term job. Read more ›

Recent advice...Amean on Shillong, India: xIf you go to Khasi hills, you should go and visit the many waterfalls and beautiful rivers. You will be able to connect with nature in a whole new level.… Read more ›

Recent advice...Ratie on Krugersdorp, South Africa: xSmall town just outside Johannesburg. Not that fast paced but just ok for your daily living. The malls have everything you need but you might need to pop into Johannesburg… Read more ›

Recent advice...Deborah on Ilorin, Nigeria: xIlorin is a very quiet and wonderful city. It houses Palms mall and the ongoing Emirates mall project. If you are looking for an area with light, you should consider… Read more ›

Recent advice...Mel on Denver, United States: xIt’s expensive now but a great place to enjoy restaurants, culture, and nice weather close to the mountains. Read more ›

Recent advice...Austin on Melbourne, Australia: xIf you’re moving to Melbourne, check out all the museums and restaurants and markets but be careful when going to Frankston or Dandenong or the inner city at nighttime. Read more ›

Recent advice...Tosin on Ikorodu, Nigeria: xIf you are moving to Ikorodu, especially if it’s inside Ikorodu like Garage or Gberigbe, you have to be cautious and walk briskly. You don’t have to be smiling on… Read more ›

Recent advice...Kundan on Cotonou, Benin: xWonderful and expat friendly place for work-oriented visit. Read more ›

Recent advice...Rafael on Bangkok, Thailand: xBangkok is a very busy city with big problems like big traffic pollution but it is probably one of the cheapest places to live in Thailand if you know where… Read more ›

Recent advice...Cynthia on Richland Center, United States: xThe birthplace of Frank Lloyd Wright and GTE phone company. A great community to live a quiet and peaceful life. Within easy driving distance to excitement found in Madison, LaCrosse… Read more ›

Recent advice...Kenneth on Kansas City, United States: xIf you’re moving to KC you’ll enjoy the worlds best BBQ, world class theater, Super Bowl Champs, and a city filled with night life. Easy to navigate with so many… Read more ›

Recent advice...Eileen on Rochester, United States: xFriendly folks: Rochester, NY is ranked 2nd friendliest city in U.S. and 9th most liveable city in U.S. (2023). Festivals: the world’s largest Lilac collection is celebrated for two weeks… Read more ›

Recent advice...Albert on Accra, Ghana: xMy city is one of the fast growing cities in Africa, the city has various people from various tribes across the country speaking various languages with Twi being the dominant… Read more ›

Recent advice...Kew on Bangalore, India: xBe careful about the areas you stay at, there is an added concern of water shortage during summer, so account for that. Pick a place close to work or visit… Read more ›

Recent advice...Jason on Balsam, United States: xVery peaceful, nature, waterfalls, and friendly people. Read more ›

Random City

Are residents of Kuala Lumpur typically multilingual? What languages are most common? Here's what seven local experts had to say about language in Kuala Lumpur.

Kuala Lumpur is a modern city where people can enjoy a varied experience regardless of their interest. You can take day trips from Kuala Lumpur to visit Hindu temples, taste the local food, and enjoy the beautiful nature. There are plenty of malls if retail therapy is something you are interested in. People are friendly and speak English well.

HELPFUL REPORT

Kuala Lumpur is the capital of Malaysia where different races live harmoniously. Generally, Malaysians can speak two or more languages. you do not have to worry about the language barrier here. If you are a food lover, KL is heaven! There are various types of food like nasi lemak, satay, roti canai and char koay teow.

HELPFUL REPORT

When someone moves to Kuala Lumpur, they should be well versed in multiple languages such as English, Bahasa Melayu or Mandarin. that they can experience the culture the city offers. It will make commute and dining-in so much more easier and it helps one to indulge in Malaysian colours.

HELPFUL REPORT

Kuala Lumpur is a city of diverse cultures. As such, sensitivity towards other cultures and knowledge of Chinese, Indian and Malay cultures would be an added advantage when navigating the city. English is widely spoken, so language would not be an issue. The city is also a mecca for food lovers.

HELPFUL REPORT

Everyone here knows at least two languages so it’s not a big deal if your neighbour is bilingual, trilingual, or multilingual. To really experience our culture, it is almost a must to try the variety of foods we offer here; KL is a food haven. If you are planning to submit any documents to the government, please plan and submit in advance. Civil working hours are usually between 8:30am-12:30pm and 2-5pm, most likely because of the Muslim praying hours.

HELPFUL REPORT

Kuala Lumpur offers a multicultural and multilingual living environment. You will hear English, Malay, Cantonese, Mandarin, and Tamil among the languages spoken by the locals. As you walk along the streets of Bukit Bintang you get to experience the various cultures of Southeast Asia, East and West Asia. If you are into food, try out the “mamak” restaurants that offer Malaysianized Tamil-Muslim cuisine at bargain prices.

HELPFUL REPORT

A cultural melting pot with some of the world’s cheapest 5-star hotels, fantastic shopping, even better food and some of the wonders of nature in an hour’s drive away, this vibrant city has a lot to give to any tourist. Kuala Lumpur is at the confluence of Sungai Gombak and Sungai Klang, and probably, that’s how it got its name, which literally means “muddy confluence” in Malay language.

HELPFUL REPORT

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What are the most common languages spoken in Kuala Lumpur?

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