Bruneians are preponderantly Malay, and customs, beliefs and pastimes are very similar to those of Peninsular Malaysia. Adat, or customary law, governs many of the country's ceremonies; there is even a government department responsible for preserving ceremony and advising on protocol, dress and heraldry.Brunei is a fairly strict Muslim country and a Ministry of Religious Affairs fosters and encourage Islam. The constitution does, however,allow for other religions to be practised. The official language is Malay, but English is widely spoken. Jawi, Malay written in Arabic script, is taught in schools, and most signs in the country are written both in Jawi and Roman script.