Portuguese in Macau

(in English): The aim of this thesis, called Portuguese in Macau, is to examine the situation of Portuguese language in the former Portuguese colony. The thesis is divided into several main parts. In order to examine the situation of Portuguese language in detail, a complete understanding of historical development in this territory as well as in China, where it belongs nowadays, is required. The history of Portuguese presence in Macau is outlined in the first chapter. The second chapter focuses on Macau's demographics. Development in number of inhabitants and ethnic composition is described. The chapter also takes account of population age composition, place of birth and religion. As a result of interaction of diverse cultures in Macau peninsula, a specific group of inhabitants has been formed. This community does identify themselves neither with the Chinese majority nor with the Portuguese minority. The chapter tends to define, who these native inhabitants of Macau, the so called filhos da terra, are. The historical formation and the most important characteristics are described. Considering the diverse ethnic composition of Macau's population, we can expect that this fact will be reflected in language situation of the territory. The fourth chapter focuses on language situation. Its first parts..