The traditional language of the Portuguese people in Melaka is the ‘Cristao’ language or also called ‘Kristang’, while there are also those who call it ‘Papiah Portugis Melaka’ or just ‘Papiah Portugis’. This language comes from the classical Portuguese language that is difficult for today’s people of Portugal to understand and is also mixed with local words. This language is not learned in school but is spoken and handed down from generation to generation in the Portuguese Village. The language is spoken through conversations between neighbours or when Melaka Portuguese people meet each other and remains alive until today.

These days, as a result of association with the multi-ethnic local community, the ‘Cristao’/’Papiah Portugis’ language is still used, the Portuguese community in Melaka also speaks other languages ​​such as Malay and also English in their daily lives.

Examples of words in the ‘Cristao’/’Papiah Portugis’ language:

Yo - I                                      Femi - Woman

Bo, Bos - You                      Albi - Tree

Meza - Table                      Kuleh - Spoon

Abo - Grandmother        Amiang – Tomorrow

Janela - Window               Bengfeta - Beautiful