What language do the people of Cabo Verde speak?

The West African island nation of Cabo Verde, also known as Cape Verde, is a unique cultural fusion that transcends multiple cultural, historical, and linguistic influences. As with any culturally rich country, understanding the language spoken by the people in Cabo Verde is crucial in grasping the nation’s heritage. This blog post aims to explore the various languages spoken in Cabo Verde, focusing mainly on the official and most widely used language.

Official Language: Portuguese

Cabo Verde was a Portuguese colony from the 15th century until its independence in 1975. Consequently, Portuguese became the official language of the country, and it retains its official status even today. Used primarily in formal settings, government, administration, education, and media, Portuguese is an essential language for individuals involved in the country’s official and public spheres.

Around 10% of the population in Cabo Verde speaks Portuguese as a first language. However, many more are proficient in the language, using it as a second or third language. Portuguese is taught in schools across the country, ensuring that most Cabo Verdeans have at least a basic grasp of the official language.

Most Widely Spoken Language: Cape Verdean Creole or Kabuverdianu

Cabo Verde’s cultural and linguistic gem is Cape Verdean Creole, also known as Kabuverdianu or Kriolu. It is an Afro-Portuguese Creole language that evolved from the interaction between Portuguese settlers and African slaves brought to Cabo Verde during the colonial period. Today, Cape Verdean Creole is the mother tongue for approximately 90% of the population and is recognized as the national language.

Cape Verdean Creole is primarily an oral language with diverse regional dialects across the different islands. It illustrates the country’s rich history, reflecting its West African and Portuguese roots and showcasing the array of influences that have shaped Cabo Verde over time. Efforts to create a standardized written form for the Creole language have been ongoing since the 20th century, with orthographic norms being established and dictionaries and pedagogical materials produced.

Importance of Bilingualism and Multilingualism

Due to the prominence of both Portuguese and Cape Verdean Creole in daily life, most Cabo Verdeans grow up bilingual, fluent in both languages. Multilingualism is valued in Cabo Verde, and many people also speak other languages such as English, French, or Spanish due to the country’s ties with other African nations and its growing tourism industry.

Understanding the linguistic landscape of Cabo Verde provides valuable insights into its history, culture, and people. As the country continues to engage with the global community, the preservation and promotion of its rich linguistic heritage are essential for maintaining and celebrating its unique identity.