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Multilingualism and Minority Languages in Macau: A Literature Review on Language Policy and Cultural Preservation
Presentations
Multilingualism and Minority Languages in Macau: A Literature Review on Language Policy and Cultural Preservation
Benedict Valentine Sheryl Lei
Macao Polytechnic University, Macau
This paper presents a comprehensive literature review on the complex multilingual landscape of Macau, a region where Portuguese, Cantonese, Mandarin, and other linguistic minorities coexist. By analyzing scholarly work on language policy, cultural preservation, and linguistic minorities, this review explores how Macau's unique historical and political context shapes its approach to multilingualism. The paper examines the intersection of postcolonial language policy, the preservation of Portuguese as a minority language, and the cultural implications for the broader Lusophone and Sinophone communities. Special attention is given to the role of education, government initiatives, and the challenges posed by the digital age, with particular emphasis on how multilingualism in Macau interacts with broader global trends. This review offers insights into the effectiveness of language policies in maintaining linguistic diversity in this multilingual region.