EXPLORING MACAU CULTURAL HERITAGE THROUGH PATUÁ LANGUAGE WITH THEATRE GROUP DÓCI PAPIAÇÁM

Macanese Patuá, a Creole language of Macau, also known as "Dóci Língu di Macau", crafted by Macanese people with different cultural backgrounds such as Portuguese, Malay, Cantonese, English, and Spanish, has been forgotten over time and is almost unknown to local new generations. This research aims to explore the historical and social relevance of Patuá, emphasising its rise, evolution, and fall in Macau society. In addition, the study will use a Macanese theatre group as a case study, Dóci Papiaçám di Macau, created by creole Macanese thespians who speak Patuá and wish to continue to use the language and promote their cultural heritage. They offer yearly public performances of Patuá theatre around May. The ensemble integrates multilingual features into performances, humorously interpreting cultural differences and societal themes, earning local acclaim and support, effectively advocating for Macanese Patuá through art.