GETTING STARTED:

In this lesson, we will talk about 2 common phrases every foreigner should know in order to introduce himself or herself.

In case you are asked to introduce yourself, be sure that you can say these two common phrases:

1. "Nama saya _____." which means "My name is _____."
2. "Saya dari _____." which means "I am from _____."

Insert your first name at the end of the first phrase.
Insert your home country at the end of the second phrase.

While in Indonesia, Indonesians will mention their home town instead of their home country when talking about where they are from. While outside of Indonesia, Indonesians will mention their home country when talking about where they are from.

Not only are these two phrases important for introducing yourself, they are equally important for understanding when someone is trying to introduce himself or herself to you.

If you hear either of these key phrases be sure to pay extra attention to the person who is speaking.

WORDS AND PHRASES:

SEE AND SAY:

Nama saya _____.

Saya dari _____

Saya dari Afrika Selatan.

Saya dari Amerika Serikat.

Saya dari Australia.

Saya dari Belanda.

Saya dari Cina.

Saya dari Eropa.

Saya dari India.

Saya dari Inggris.

Saya dari Italia.

Saya dari Jepang.

Saya dari Jerman.

Saya dari Kanada.

Saya dari Korea Selatan.

Saya dari Perancis.

Saya dari Spanyol.

Saya dari Thailand.

Saya dari Timur Tengah.

Saya dari Turki.

UNDERSTANDING THE CUTLURE: WHAT IS IN A NAME?

In western cultures, most people have a first name and a family name.

Names in Indonesia come in various shapes and sizes:

• Some people only have one name, a first name.
• Some people have both a first name and a family name.
• Some people have a first name and add the name of their father as a second name.
• Some people have a first name and add the name of their mother as a second name.
• Some people have 3 or 4 names.
• A woman may take her husband's first name when she gets married.
  • The husband's name is Rahmat. The woman may be called Ibu Rahmat, meaning Mrs. Rahmat.
• A woman may take the name of her first child.
  • The child's name is Dina. The woman may be called Ibu Dina, meaning either Mrs. Dina or mother of Dina.
• A person's name might be changed after experiencing a traumatic childhood event, such as a life-threatening illness.

UNDERSTANDING THE CULTURE: MY NAME IS _____, BUT YOU CAN CALL ME _____.

Most people are creatures of habit. You most likely will use some of the phrases taught in this lesson for years to come as you speak in Bahasa Indonesia.

English is a required subject for most Indonesian students. Indonesian students are taught how to introduce themselves in English while attending elementary school, middle school, and/or high school.

The following is a common phrase used by Indonesians when introducing themselves for the first time:

My name is Adrian Syafrizal Novrisyah, but you can call me Rian.

Even in informal introductions, Indonesians might emphasize a person's complete, formal name and then followup with a nickname or preferred name. While people from western countries tend to only introduce themselves with a preferred name or nickname in an informal setting.

LISTEN AND REPEAT:

• Each phrase is repeated 4 times, both in English and Bahasa Indonesia.
• There is pause between each phrase so that you can repeat back what you have learned.
  • We recommend that you repeat each phrase out loud.
• Be sure to include your first name and home country as appropriate.

• Now combine both "Nama saya _____." and "Saya dari _____." into one long phrase.
• Feel free to download these files on your computer or phone to use at a later time.

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE:

APPLY WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED:

1. What is the most interesting thing that you learned about Indonesian names? Take a few minutes to explain your new-found knowledge to a friend or family member.

2. Do a web search for common Indonesian names. Create a list that includes 5-10 male and female names.