Languages of Cape Verde

Portuguese is Cape Verde's official language, and the language of instruction in official schools. However, the Capeverdean Crioulo languages are also widely spoken. These are a range of Portuguese-based creole languages, which vary considerably from island to island.

There is a substantial body of literature in these languages, especially in the Crioulo of Santiago (bádiu) and the Crioulo of São Vicente (criol di de Soncente). The Crioulo languages have been gaining prestige since the nation's independence from Portugal, and there is a movement to make the variant of Santiago the official language of the country.

However, the substantial differences between the languages spoken in different islands, each with its traditional spelling system, has been a major obstacle in the way of this move. Some people have advocated the development of two unformized official languages: a North (Barlavento) standard, centered on the Crioulo of San Vicente, and a South (Sotavento) standard, centered on that of Santiago.

When visiting Cape Verde it really is a great thing to speak Portuguese even if it is just a few phrases as it would enable you to get by much easier. In time more and more Cape Verdeans will speak english and other languages.

Please learn the phrases below that we provide.