Malaccan Creole Portuguese

Print

A language of Malaysia

ISO 639-3
mcm
Alternate Names
Bahasa Geragau, Bahasa Serani, Kristang, Luso-Malay, Malaccan, Malaqueiro, Malaquenho, Malaquense, Malaquês, Malayo-Portuguese, Malaysian Creole Portuguese, Papia Cristao, Papia Kristang, Português de Malaca, Portuguese Patois, Serani
Population

2,150 (Bradley 2007). Ethnic population: 10,000 (Bradley 2007).

Location

Peninsular, Straits of Malacca,Trankera and Hilir, Melaka. Related varieties in parts of Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

Language Maps
Language Status

8a (Moribund).

Classification
Creole, Portuguese based
Language Use

English [eng] is rapidly becoming the dominant language among the younger generation. Mainly adults 50 and older, about one-third of young adults, some children. Most also use Malay [zlm] and Malaysian English. Some older women use some English [eng].

Language Development
Dictionary. Grammar. Bible portions: 1884.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Malaccan Creole Portuguese
Other Comments

Ethnic autonym: Kristang (or Papia Cristao), also name for religion. Variety in Pulau Tikus spoken more in 1997 than in 1987.