Boa Vista Cape Verde - Basic Language - Boa Vista Experience
Boa Vista Cape Verde - Basic Language for Boa Vista
Basic Language for Boa Vista
The official language in Cape Verde is Portuguese, inherited from the Portuguese colonial days. It is used in administration, schools, the media, banking and international relations. It is not Portuguese in its purest form as there are many Brazilian influences.
The spoken language, or national language is Crioulu. It is used in grassroots organizations, labour unions and on children’s television. However there is no standardization in spoken or written form, from one island to another. Even the name “Crioulu” is not standard. It is also called "Kriolu", or "Creole". Crioulu arose in the 15th century as a consequence of Portuguese slave trading on the west coast of Africa. It is a pidgin language based on Portuguese. With time it developed with African and other influences.
After the slave trade Portuguese remained the language of the empire. In colonial culture Crioulu was a mark of social inferiority. But amongst many workers and intellectuals, it became an element of cultural resistance to Portuguese colonialism. It was used in poetry and taken up in the struggle by Amilcar Cabral.
After independence Portuguese remained the official language, used in education and news reportage. The use of Crioulu has grown over time, however this has been hindered by a lack of standardization in both spoken and written forms. The Crioulu on Santa Antao differs markedly from that on Bravo. Factions differ on whether to use a "k" or a "c".
Within the diaspora abroad, Crioulu is an instrument of culture and identity. Thus in Holland, the US, Angola, Senegal, Brazil, France and Portugal Crioulu is the medium of sharing feelings of brotherhood, hospitality and nostalgia, all nurtured by this umbilical cord to the mother country. Today there is a struggle to legitimise "their language"
Thus the dilemma of deciding whether to learn Crioulu or Portuguese. Crioulu is virtually impossible to learn outside the islands, unless you have access to the community. Portuguese is a help, however it would be ideal to learn some Crioulu. In the UK Portuguese lessons are offered in many institutions. BBC languages with the book and CDs, "talk Portuguese" is a helpful source. (www.bbc.co.uk/languages)
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