Tetum is the most predominant indigenous language in East Timor. However it is not the
only language spoken by East Timorese and linguistically East Timor could be described
as being a complex diversity of related and unrelated languages and dialects. The map
to the right shows the geographical spread of indigenous languages. The speakers of Tetum and
Tetum Dili are estimated at about 350,000, many of which reside in West Timor. The
effects of colonialism has resulted in Bahasa Indonesia and Portugese to be widely spoken.
According to Indonesian government social welfare statistics of East Timor in 1995 60% of the
population of East Timor speaks Bahasa Indonesia. English is also evident as the international language and no doubt is prevalent at the
moment with the presence of so many International organisations.
Portugese is common amongst the older generation and was the administrative language
used during the period of Portugese colonialisation. It was also embraced by resistance
fighters during the Indonesian occupation. Portugese is considered to be a part of the identity
of the East Timorese, a characteristic which distinguishes them from Indonesian islands of
the archipelago. The Indonesian islands experienced a different colonial history under the Dutch.
However, for the younger generation, it is apparent that the vestiges of Portugese colonial identity do not extended to language as they do for the older generation.
They were educated in Bahasa Indonesia and the use of Portugese was prohibited by the Indonesian government where bahasa Indonesia was enforced.
The younger people of East Timor are concerned that they may be excluded from opportunities
because they do not speak Portugese.
Tetum is the language of the Dili market and the majority of East Timorese. It is considered inappropriate, however
to be the official language of East Timor at this stage due to its unsophisticated
nature. At least five years is required for Tetum to be modernised and be able to cope with terminology of science and politics.
In the meantime Portugese has been selected as the official language of East Timoer. Tetum
has been elected the National Language and English a working language.
Tetum Language Lessons
-learn the Tetum pronouns-
-learn basic phrases for everyday life-
-learn to count in Tetum-
-learn the days of the week-
