Study Buddy (Challenger): How Patuá, the ‘critically endangered’ creole language of Macau, is being rescued by a younger generation

[2] Far less known to the outside world, however, is Patuá, a creole language developed within the Macanese community of mixed Portuguese-Chinese people. Dating back to the 16th century, Patuá is primarily based on Portuguese but also borrows from Cantonese as well as Japanese, Timorese, Malay, Konkani (the language of Goa, India), Hindi, Dutch and English.

[3] Today, Patuá is classified as “critically endangered” by Unesco, with only an estimated 50 fluent speakers remaining. But a movement is under way to preserve the language, started by a younger generation of Macanese who recognise the value of their unique heritage.

[4] They include Elisabela Larrea, an eighth-generation Macanese and scholar who has devoted her work to preserving Patuá through various mediums, including theatre. “As far back as the 1930s, many parents [in Macau] would disallow their children from speaking Patuá as they wanted the next generation to speak standard Portuguese, which they believed would help secure better jobs and futures,” she says.

[5] “But in recent years, views have changed, and they realise that creole languages reflect history and the lives of people in different cultures. Many are now retrieving the language and relearning it. Compared to 20 years ago, there are more people speaking it.”

[6] Larrea did not grow up speaking Patuá, but when her mother took her to a play written in the language, she immediately connected with that piece of her heritage. “It just felt like home,” she recalls of that introduction 24 years ago. “There were words that I did not know, but I was surprised that I understood what they were saying, and people in the audience were laughing and having fun.”

[7] On her mother’s advice, Larrea started learning Patuá, and she has since built a body of academic and creative work around the language. In 2007, she made the documentary Sons of the Land, about Macanese culture and Patuá.

[8] Another Macanese champion of Patuá is Delfino Gabriel, an amateur contemporary musician who uses the language in his song lyrics in order to showcase the beauty and versatility of the words. Gabriel combines lyrics using the creole words with modern music aimed at capturing the interest of young people. He experiments with writing songs that mix Cantonese, Portuguese or English words with those of Patuá.

[9] “I want my music to speak to different audiences, and those who understand one of the languages may listen to it and then want to find out more about the Patuá part,” he says. “I don’t expect people to learn how to speak Patuá through my music, but I want to make people aware of it. I want to make a contribution to my community,” he adds. “As someone of Macanese heritage, if I don’t take up this mission, who else should?”

Source: South China Morning Post, March 26

1. The purpose of paragraph 1 is to …
A. illustrate how Macau has transform from a colonial outpost to a modern, vibrant city.
B. showcase how different Macau is today compared to its status as a Portuguese trading outpost.
C. highlight the enduring influence of Macau’s Portuguese colonial past on the city’s present identity.
D. none of the above

2. Which language forms the foundation of Patuá according to paragraph 2?
___________________________________________________

3. What does the phrase “critically endangered” in paragraph 3 suggest about Patuá?
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

4. According to paragraph 4, why was speaking Patuá discouraged in the past?
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

5. In paragraph 5, “views” refer to …
A. the general opinion people in Macau have towards Patuá.
B. the various methods used by the Macanese to relearn Patuá.
C. how Patuá reflects the history and cultural experiences of the people who speak them.
D. why some people view Patuá as an important part of Macanese identity.

6. Find a word in paragraph 6 that refers to “the history and traditions that a place has had for many years and that are considered an important part of its character”.
___________________________________________________

7. Based on paragraph 7, which of the following best describes Larrea’s mother’s attitude towards her learning Patuá?
A. empathetic
B. concerned
C. dismissive
D. encouraging

8. How does Gabriel promote Patuá according to paragraph 8?
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

9. According to paragraph 9, one of Gabriel’s goals is to …
A. popularise Patuá songs and make them mainstream.
B. get more musicians to compose songs in Patuá.
C. raise awareness about Patuá through music.
D. have schools offer Patuá classes for all Macanese children.

1. C
2. Portuguese
3. It suggests that the language is at risk of disappearing altogether (accept other similar answers)
4. Parents wanted their children to speak standard Portuguese, which they believed would help secure better jobs and futures.
5. A
6. heritage
7. D
8. He uses Patuá in his song lyrics to showcase the language’s beauty and versatility.
9. C