Malaysia fights to save centuries-old creole language

MALACCA, Malaysia - Children in colorful outfits sing in a creole of Portuguese and Malay during a class in the historic Malaysian city of Malacca, as part of efforts to stem the decline of the centuries-old language.

The youngsters chant bong atardi mestri ("good evening, teacher") and work their way through songs including Bunitu siara siorus ("Beautiful ladies and gentlemen") and Gato do matu ("The jungle cat").

Sara Santa Maria runs the weekly classes at her home to ensure the younger generation learn Papia Kristang, one of several steps aimed at preserving an endangered language spoken by people of mixed Portuguese and Malay ancestry.