Preserving an Endangered Language - The Tale of Melaka Portuguese

Discover the fascinating journey of preserving Melaka Portuguese, an endangered language in Malaysia, through this captivating 19-minute TEDx talk. Join Dr. Stefanie Shamila Pillai, a Professor at the Faculty of Languages and Linguistics, Universiti Malaya, as she shares her personal connection and professional efforts to safeguard this unique linguistic heritage. Learn about the collaborative initiatives with community representatives to develop materials promoting the use of Papiah Cristang and raising awareness about its distinctive hybrid culture. Gain insights into the importance of preserving minority languages and the cultural significance they hold for communities like the Melaka Portuguese people. Explore the challenges and triumphs in language preservation efforts, and be inspired by Dr. Pillai's dedication to keeping this endangered language alive for future generations.