Understanding what the Macau language is can help you plan your trip more efficiently. This is easier said than done since the territory has a colourful past, and the languages spoken reflect its rich worldly heritage.
As Macau’s past has intertwined both east and west, both Portuguese and Cantonese are accepted as the official languages.
Macau Language, Chinese Cantonese, Mandarin, Portuguese, English
A small minority speaks Portuguese, even if it’s an official language. In business and tourism, however, English is used. Travellers exploring Macau will find Portuguese signs, which are still found in many tourist destinations.
Given that the Portuguese ruled Macau as their colony for more than 400 years, this is to be expected. By 1999, Macau was handed over back to Chinese jurisdiction. Macanese Portuguese is the local version of Portuguese, a fusion of both languages, which has influences of Cantonese, Konkani, Malay, Marathi, and Sinhalese languages. In journalism as well as law, the Portuguese language is still used.
In touristy areas, English is understood and spoken. Most shopping malls, hotels, resorts, casinos, and restaurants use English as their primary communication to accommodate international travellers. This is helpful, even if English has not been given an institutional status yet. It’s also good to know that the number of English speakers is growing quickly.
Macau language usage tends to vary depending on your area, though it’s still relatively easy for English speakers to get by.
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