Cristang now in written form to benefit learners

Project head and Universiti Malaya Languages and Linguistics Faculty dean Prof Dr Stefanie Pillai with Singho showing the book at the launch.

MALACCA: A book on the Portuguese language used by the local community is now out.

It is a collaboration between the Malacca Portuguese-Eurasian Association (MPEA) and Universiti Malaya’s Languages and Linguistics Faculty.

Entitled “Beng Prende Portugus Malaka (Papia Cristang), Come Let’s Learn Portugues Malaka), the book is aimed at helping those who want to learn the language.

Unique figurative expressions such as “Altu Chumba Albi Bambu” (as tall as a bamboo tree) and “Kenti Chuma Fogu” (as hot as fire) are explained in the book.

MPEA’s president Michael Singho said the launch of the book is a momentous occasion for the community.

“This book will help establish the written form of our language as well as preserve and strengthen it. It also gives all Malaysians an opportunity to learn the language,” he added.

The book was launched by a member of the community and former International Trade and Industry Ministry secretary-general Tan Sri Dr Rebecca Fatima Sta Maria.