How to use 'antara' correctly

In the Malay language, the word 'antara' (between / among) can be classifed under kata sendi nama or preposition and kata arah or direction word.

As a preposition, 'antara' is used for situation not related to position. Perhaps, the following examples will suffice to illustrate this point.
1 Antara mereka berdua, saya lebih suka berkawan dengan Azmi. [Between the two of them, I prefer to befriend Azmi.] In this sentence, the word 'mereka' (they) does not show position.

2 Pertandingan nyanyian antara kelas akan diadakan pada hari ini. [Inter-class singing competition will be held today.] In this sentence, kelas (class) does not indicate any sense of direction.

3 Kerjasama antara negara jiran amat penting demi kebaikan bersama. [Co-operation among neighbouring countries is vital for their common good.] In this sentence, too, the phrase 'negara jiran' (neighbouring countries) does not show position.

When 'antara' is used after the preposition 'di' (at), it functions as a kata arah or direction word. The combination of 'di antara' will show position when used in sentences. Let us look at some examples when position is indicated with 'di antara' being used.
1 Adik duduk di antara ibu dengan bapa. [My younger brother / sister is sitting between my mum and my dad.] In this sentence, 'adik' is positioned between 'ibu' (mother) and 'ayah' (father).

2 Kuala Lumpur terletak di antara Perlis dengan Johor. [Kuala Lumpur is situated between Perlis and Johor.] In this sentence, Kuala Lumpur is shown to be occupying a place between Perlis and Johor.

A few points need to be pointed in using 'antara'.
a) When two people or two things are involved using 'antara' is used, the conjunction 'dengan' (and) is to be used and not 'dan' (And) e.g. Antara buah durian dan buah manggis, saya lebih suka makan buah durian. [Wrong]
Antara buah durian dengan buah manggis, saya lebih suka makan buah durian. [Wrong]
[ Between durians and mangosteens, I prefer to eat durians.]

b) The nouns after 'antara' need not be duplicated as antara carries the meaning of being plural in nature. e.g. Antara buah-buah yang dijual di gerai itu, hanya buah nanas ialah buah tempatan. [Incorrect]
Antara buah yang dijual di gerai itu, hanya buah nanas ialah buah tempatan. [Among the fruits sold at the stall, only the pineapple is a local fruit.] [Correct]

c) If three people or things are involved, the conjunction used together with 'antara' is 'dan' (and) and not 'dengan'.
e.g. Antara Ali, Busu dengan Chandran, Busu ialah lelaki yang paling tinggi. [Wrong]
Antara Ali, Busu dan Chandran, Busu ialah lelaki yang paling tinggi. [Correct]

I really hope my post today will help readers to use 'antara' correctly and confidently.