MELAKA: The fight to keep Kristang alive has gained fresh hope after the inaugural "Kambateh Papiah Kristang" (Speak Kristang) language competition brought together generations of the Portuguese-Eurasian community in a renewed push to save the endangered language.
Melaka Portuguese Eurasian Heritage Arts and Cultural Society president Martin Theseira said the competition, held on Monday (June 29), was part of ongoing efforts to preserve and revitalise Kristang among the younger generation.
"The programme brought together community leaders, elders, parents, educators, cultural advocates and young participants in a collective effort to safeguard one of Malaysia's most unique linguistic and cultural treasures," he said in an interview on Tuesday (June 30).
Theseira said the event, held at Lisbon Melaka, was graced by Melaka legislative assembly deputy speaker Kerk Chee Yee.
He said the competition was organised in response to growing concern over the declining number of fluent Kristang speakers within the community and the urgent need to encourage greater use of the language among youths.
"The language has long been classified as endangered by Unesco, but the reality experienced by the community today suggests that it faces even greater challenges and may now be considered highly endangered," he said.
Theseira said the situation was reflected in the competition itself, where only three participants qualified for the final despite 10 potential contestants initially expressing interest and being shortlisted.
"This outcome serves as a stark reminder of the current state of the language and highlights the need for more intensive and sustained efforts to ensure its survival," he said.
He said language preservation could not be left solely to cultural organisations, but required the active participation of families, community leaders, educational institutions, government agencies, corporate partners and the younger generation.
"The Kristang language represents far more than a means of communication.
"It embodies centuries of history, traditions, songs, stories, values and collective memories that form an integral part of the historic city's multicultural heritage," he said.
Theseira said he was also honoured to brief Lisbon Melaka's general manager Ramesh Singh Sappel on the nuances of Festa San Pedro at the height of the festival at the Portuguese Settlement at Ujong Pasir here on Monday (June 29).
He said Festa San Pedro is a vibrant celebration honouring the Portuguese-Eurasian community.
Named after Saint Peter, the patron saint of fishermen, the festival showcases Melaka's diverse cultural heritage and colonial past.
