Cristão

Writing system

As there were no proper schools, kristang was passed down orally and attempts at a kristang orthography began in the 1950's by the efforts of a Jesuit priest known as Monsignior Manuel Teixeira (A Grammar of Kristang).

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In Singapore, a failed attempt to teach the Portuguese language was conducted at the old Saint Anthony's Boys School (1950-1953). The venture failed when financial support from the Portuguese government never reached the school.

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In the 1990's, Joan Marbeck's book "Ungua Andanza" (available in Malacca) was published, with the orthography written in a luso-malay context.

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To contact the author for a copy of her latest book "Linggu Mai" (US$21 + postage), which includes a reader, a Kristang phrasebook, and a CD, please email: linggumai2004@hotmail.com

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