MELAKA: A first-of-its-kind Kristang speaking competition will take centre stage at the Portuguese Settlement in Ujong Pasir here on Monday (June 29), as the Portuguese-Eurasian community steps up efforts to safeguard its centuries-old mother tongue from fading into history.
Save the Portuguese Community Action Group chairman Martin Thesera said the inaugural competition, to be held at a hotel in the settlement, is among the highlights of this year's Festa San Pedro celebrations and aims to inspire younger generations to embrace the Kristang language.
"Kristang is one of the most precious treasures of the Melaka Portuguese-Eurasian community, having been passed down through generations for more than five centuries.
"The language carries within it our history, traditions, stories, songs and identity.
"Every word spoken is a living connection to our ancestors and the unique cultural journey that shaped our community," he said in an interview on Thursday (June 25).
Thesera said the language is now facing one of the greatest challenges in its history as fewer young people grow up speaking Kristang at home, resulting in a steady decline in the number of fluent speakers.
"What was once heard daily in homes, along village lanes and among fishermen has become increasingly rare.
"If we do not act now, we risk losing an irreplaceable part of our cultural heritage," he said.
Recognising the urgency, Thesera said community leaders, cultural activists and concerned individuals had come together to promote the use of Kristang among younger generations through meaningful initiatives.
"Language preservation can only succeed when the community works together with a shared sense of purpose and responsibility.
"The Speak Kristang Language Competition was created to encourage young people to speak, appreciate and take pride in their ancestral language through engaging and enjoyable activities," he said.
Thesera stressed that the programme was far more than a language contest.
"It is a celebration of identity and belonging. Through conversation, storytelling, humour and creativity, participants are reminded that Kristang is not merely a language of the past, but a living language that deserves a place in the future," he said.
Thesera also expressed appreciation to The Lisbon Melaka for supporting the initiative through its corporate social responsibility programme.
"We are grateful for their commitment towards preserving our unique cultural heritage.
"Kambateh Papiah Kristang! Falah Kristang, Bibeh Kristang! (Speak Kristang! Live Kristang!)," he added.
