East Timor

The Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste or East Timor is a nation in Southeast Asia, consisting of the eastern half of the island of Timor, the nearby islands of Atauro and Jaco, and Oecussi-Ambeno, an exclave of East Timor situated on the western side of the island, surrounded by West Timor.

Languages

Main article: Languages of East Timor

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East Timor's two official languages are Portuguese and Tetum, a local Austronesian language. Indonesian and English are defined as working languages under the Constitution in the Final and Transitional Provisions without setting a final date. Although the country has only about 1 million inhabitants, another fourteen indigenous languages are spoken: Bekais, Bunak, Dawan, Fataluku, Galoli, Habun, Idalaka, Kawaimina, Kairui, Kemak, Lovaia, Makalero, Makasai, Mambai, Tetun-Terik, Tokodede and Wetarese.

Related Topics:
Portuguese - Tetum - Austronesian language - Indonesian - English - Fataluku

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Under Indonesian rule, the use of Portuguese was banned, but it was used by the clandestine resistance, especially in communicating with the outside world. The language gained importance as a symbol of resistance and freedom, along with Tetum, as a way of differentiating the country from its neighbours, and as a link to nations in other parts of the world. It is now being restored as an official language, with the help of Brazil and Portugal. It is now spoken by 25% of the population (the number more than doubled in the last 5 years), although this growth has sometimes met with hostility from younger Indonesian-educated people who feel at a disadvantage. East Timor is a member of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP), also known as the Lusophone Commonwealth, and a member of the Latin Union.

Related Topics:
Brazil - Portugal - CPLP - Lusophone - Latin Union

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