Bahasa Manado is the language in North Sulawesi and has been heavily influenced by many centuries of Manado being a busy trading port and a gateway from Northern Indonesia to Asia.
In the 1940’s, the years leading up to Indonesian Independence, there was a lot of debate about what would become the national language in Indonesia. In Java, the most populous island, the people were pushing for their local dialect to be adopted as the national language. The independence leader and future President Soekarno, wisely realised that a new nation with around 15,000 islands needed a national language which would unite people and at least, initially, be partially understood everywhere.
So the Malay trading dialect was chosen. This was the language widely used by seafarers, dock workers, merchants and traders in ports and surrounding areas all over this part of South East Asia. Nearly everywhere with a coastal port, the people had, at least, a basic grasp of this language.
As a result of this history, Bahasa Manado has developed over many centuries with influences from Malay, Dutch, Portuguese, and Spanish. The Malay dialect influence here has meant that there have always been many similarities with Bahasa Indonesia and as time has progressed the national language has progressively become a larger part of Bahasa Manado.
Getting to know a little of the Manado language will help you to understand the culture of North Sulawesi. You will find that the people here are naturally friendly and will be delighted by any efforts you make to engage with them in their own language.
Here are some everyday phrases in Bahasa Manado with the Bahasa Indonesia then English equivalents.
Words
Makase - Terima kasih - Thank you.
Io - Iya - Yes
Kita - Saya - I (or me)
Ngana - Kamu - You
Dorang - Mereka - They
Moi - Bagus - Fine
Nyanda - Tidak - No
Makang - Makan - Eat
Aer - Air - Water
Jao - Jauh - Far
Amper - Dekat - NearPhrases
Ngana pe nama sapa? - Nama kamu siapa? - What's your name?
Ngana tinggal di mana? - Kamu tinggal di mana? - Where do you live?
Kita di Australi, cuma suka jalan ka Manado - Saya di Australi, tapi suka jalan ke Manado - I'm in Australia, but I like to travel to Manado
Ngana so makang? - Apahkah anda sudah makan? - Have you eaten?
Kita suka makang rica - Saya suka makan pedas - I like spicy food.
Moi! Manado pe makanan so enak. - Bagus! Makanan di Manado sudah enak. - Great! The food in Manado is delicious.
Makase atas info! - Terima kasih atas infonya! - Thanks for the info!