What language is spoken in Cape Verde?
The official language and the diversity of languages in Cape Verde
In Cape Verde, Cape Verdean Creole, also known as Kriolu or Crioulo, is predominantly spoken. This is a Language family consisting of a variety of dialects with roots in both African and Portuguese languages. Each island or region may have its own variant of Cape Verdean Creole, reflecting the cultural diversity and historical development of the archipelago. Portuguese, on the other hand, serves as the official Language of Cape Verde. It is used in formal contexts such as education, judiciary, and administration. The education system emphasizes that children are taught both Creole and Portuguese from a young age to promote bilingual competence. In the everyday life of Cape Verdeans, however, Cape Verdean Creole plays the dominant role. It serves as a vibrant medium of social interaction, music, literature, and oral traditions. This bilingualism reflects the complex history of the islands, marked by colonization, slavery, and migration, and today forms an integral part of the national identity.