Diglosia in Timor-Leste: What are the functions of each language?
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53930/27892182.dialogos.7.41Keywords:
Tetun, diglossia, multilingualism, Timor-LesteAbstract
Diglossia refers to the use of two or more languages within a single community, each with its own functions. Timor-Leste has a complex situation of diglossia, in that it has many vernacular languages, two official languages (Tetun Dili and Portuguese), and two “working languages” (Indonesian and English). This complex situation is a result of its complex history. This article looks at the functions of each of these languages over the twenty years since Timor achieved independence, and at the changes in functions of each languageover that time. Data is taken from 0the census, the authors’ own research, and published research by others. It concludes that vernacular languages remain totally dominant in the area of ritual, but that as home languages they are in many areas (particularly urban ones) being replaced by Tetun Dili. Of all the languages used, Tetun Dili has the widest range of functions in the community, church, education system, government, private sector, media, advertising, and linguistic landscapes, and it is still gaining ground. Portuguese is strong within the Ministry of Education, and in the field of law and justice. Indonesian’s functions have reduced greatly in all areas since independence, except perhaps for satellite TV programs. The role of English is limited mainly to communication with the outside world through reports to international organisations and through research publications. However the number of English-language private schools is increasing.
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