Eurasian Language

Language

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S/N Kristang English Pronounciation Meaning
1 Na kaza Na ka-zer At home
2 Filu Fee-lu Son
3 Fila Fee-ler Daughter
4 Kifoi ta churah Key-foi ter chu-rah Why are you crying?
5 Pai Pei Father
6 Mai My Mother
7 Nos tudu Nose to-do Everyone of us
8 Akeli nungka retu Ah-kay-lee nung-ker ray-to That is not right
9 Nang ribeh Na-ng rye-ber Don't get angry
10 Bai na dretu By ner drain-to Go in
11 Netu Nay-to Grandson
12 Neta Ne-ter Granddaughter
13 Muitu merseh Moo-too mer-say Thank you
14 Bong Natal Bong nah-tal Merry Christmas
15 Bong Any kon bos Bong ah-nu con bos Happy Birthday to you
16 Klai ki nobes Klai key no-bays How are you?
17 Bong kaminu Bong car-mee-nu Safe journey
18 Saodi Sa-oh-dee Cheers

Given the many different languages in the mélanges that constitutes Eurasian heritage, how do Eurasians decide which language to use?

Eurasians are a blend of two or more races. Hence, where there is a stable community of Eurasians, they will develop their own language using the grammar and vocabulary drawn from the various languages that they come into frequent contact with. These ‘mixed’ languages are known as ‘creoles’.

One common creole is the Kristang language, which is a mixture of Portuguese and the local dialect in Malacca. Kristang originated in 1511 when the Portuguese traders who arrived in Malacca needed to find a common language to immerse in the culture and facilitate trade. Eurasians who trace their roots back to Malacca are familiar with the Kristang language, which evolved from the Portuguese language in the Malay Peninsula. In recent times, only the older generations are able to speak Kristang. English has become the universal language for the majority of Eurasians.

Here are some words and phrases to learn to help keep our unique Kristang language alive.

With thanks to Valerie Scully and Catherine Zuzarte, authors of the Eurasian Heritage Dictionary.
Copies of the dictionary (second edition) are available at the EA for $30.00.