tatabahasa

Tatabahasa is the system of rules that governs how words combine to form phrases and sentences, and how language is used in various contexts. In Malay-speaking areas, tatabahasa covers morfologi (word formation), sintaks (sentence structure), punctuation, and, to a limited extent, phonology, all of which influence meaning and clarity. The term is used for both Malay and Indonesian varieties, which share core principles but show regional variation.

Morfologi involves affixation (prefixes, suffixes, infixes), reduplication, and occasional vowel or consonant changes that mark meanings such as tense, voice, or aspect in certain constructions. Sintaks examines the order of subject, predicate, and object, the linking of clauses, and the use of modifiers. In practice, tatabahasa can be descriptive—describing how language is actually used—or prescriptive—setting standard rules for formal writing and speech.

Tatabahasa plays a central role in education and language policy. It supports literacy, effective communication, and the maintenance of a standard language suitable for media, government, and education, while also accommodating dialectal variation and loanwords that enrich the language.

References to standard materials are published by language authorities in different countries, including Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka in Malaysia and the body responsible for Indonesian language standards, along with resources like Kamus Besar Bahasa Indonesia and established tata bahasa guidelines.