Alternate Names: Bahasa Geragau, Bahasa Serani, Kristang, Luso-Malay, Malaccan, Malaqueiro, Malaquenho, Malaquense, Malaquês, Malayo-Portuguese, Malaysian Creole Portuguese, Papia Cristao, Papia Kristang, Português de Malaca, Portuguese Patois, Serani
Genealogy:
Demographics: 2,150 (Bradley 2007). Ethnic population: 10,000 (Bradley 2007). L2 users: Also spoken as L2 by some Chinese shopkeepers in Hilir.
Language Use: English [eng] is rapidly becoming the dominant language among the younger generation. Mainly adults 50 and older, about one-third of young adults, some children (Bradley 2007). Some older women use some English [eng]. Most also use local varieties of Malaysian English. Most also use local varieties of market Malay [zlm].
Language Development: Dictionary. Grammar. Bible portions: 1884.
Nation of Origin: Malaysia
Other Comments: Ethnic autonym: Kristang (or Papia Cristao), also name for religion. Variety in Pulau Tikus spoken more in 1997 than in 1987.