War of Languages in East Timor

Timor with a total area of 15,007 sq kms, is less than 400 km north of Australia, separated from that continent by the Timor Sea. To the northwest lie the Indonesian islands separated by as little as 50 km by the Sawu Sea, while in the northeast the Indonesian islands are separated by Wetar Strait, only 18km away from Atauro, one of the islands of Timor Leste (East Timor). Timor is a part of Australian continental shelf.

East Timor or Timor Leste is a new country with tumultuous past. As any new born country would have, Timor Leste is also facing the challenges of transition into freedom. It has a short history of seven years of independence nurturing under the umbrella of United Nations, which has been existing since 1999 in one or the other form. The UNMIT mission still continues.

The constitution of Timor Leste accepts Tetum (local) and Portuguese as the two official languages. English and Bahasa (Indonesian) have been acknowledged as working languages. It makes a very simple reading on paper, but in actuality the situation in Timor Leste has become volatile and explosive creating a chaos everywhere just because of the preference of specific languages as working and official. There is hardship faced in disbursing of official business and operational work. There is lot of uncertainty about the choice of medium of instruction in meetings; imparting education in schools, universities; conducting workshops, seminar; and consequently there is fallout on daily life. There is indecisiveness amongst the youth about the language they should focus on to build their career. The intellectuals of the country have been questioning the plausibility of the choice of language as official. There had been discussions in the past over the correctness of decision but now it has become an obscure movement questioning the very loyalty of the decision makers towards the country. This uneasiness amongst the intellectuals and discomfort of a common man is a matter of concern and is what bothers. How serious is that concern needs to be examined by understanding the history a bit and the situation prevailing in Timor Leste.

History

Timor had been a source of sandalwood, honey and wax for Chinese traders since at least the 1300s. The first Portuguese traders reached Timor around 1509 and gradually expanded their influence and made it a full-fledged colony. The process of decolonisation of Timor began in 1974, in the wake of Portugal’s “Carnation Revolution”. East Timorese were given freedom to form their own political parties. The two most prominent parties were Timorese Democratic Union (UDT) and the pro-independence Revolutionary Front for an Independent Timor-Leste (FRETILIN). The former supported gradual independence as well as association with Portugal, and the latter called for full independence. Portugal sought to establish a provisional government and a popular assembly that would determine the status of Timor-Leste, but civil war broke out between the two main political parties and FRETILIN was left with control of Timor-Leste. A unilateral declaration of independence followed on 28 November 1975. Before the declaration could be internationally recognised, however, Indonesian forces invaded and annexed the newly born Republica Democratica de Timor-Leste (RDTL) by making it twenty seventh Indonesian province. Some 60,000 people are believed to have died during the initial period of the invasion.

The UN never recognized this integration, and both the Security Council and the General Assembly called for Indonesia’s withdrawal. Timor-Leste’s official international status remained that of a “non-self-governing territory under Portuguese administration”. FALINTIL, the military arm of FRETILIN, began its guerrilla campaign against the Indonesian forces.

Indonesian rule in Timor-Leste was violent and dictatorial though unlike the Portuguese, favoured strong, direct rule, which was not accepted by the Timorese who were determined to preserve their culture and national identity. Death tolls between 1975 and the early 1980s due to a combination of attacks on civilian population, disease and famine went upto two lakh. In an effort to obtain greater control over its descendants new province Indonesia invested considerable financial resources in Timor-Leste, leading to economic growth averaging 6% per year over the period 1983 to 1997.

In May 5, 1999, UN brokered agreement with Portugal to hold a referendum or “popular consultation” on the options of autonomy within Indonesia or full independence. Despite a sustained intimidation campaign launched by the Indonesian military using “militia” as proxy, on 30 August 1999, the Timorese population voted overwhelmingly for independence (78.5%). The Indonesian armed forces and their militia responded with extra ordinary brutality. The entire territory was laid waste-some 80% of buildings were looted and burned, all government records were lost, and most of the physical structure was destroyed. One third of the population was forcibly displaced to West Timor and other neighboring islands. The rest of the population sought refuge in the mountains.

Independence came, officially, on 20 May 2002 with the inauguration of President and Prime Minister.

UNs Presence

United Nations since agreement signed on 5 May 1999 in New York has remained in Timor-Leste in different forms.

On 11 June 1999, United Nations Mission in Timor-Leste (UNAMET) came into existence to conduct “Popular Consultation”, a referendum to choose between Independence and autonomy under Indonesia. After that on 25 October, the Security Council established the United Nations Transitional Administration in Timor-Leste (UNTAET) as an integrated, multidimensional peacekeeping operation fully responsible for the administration of Timor-Leste during its transition to independence. When Timor-Leste’s independence was restored on 20 May 2002, UNTAET was succeeded by the United Nations Mission of Support in Timor-Leste (UNMISET) established on 17 May 2002 to provide assistance to core administrative structures critical to the viability and political stability of the country and other mandates for post independence support.

The mandate of UNMISET completed in May 2005 and a successor political mission, the United Nations office in Timor-Leste (UNOTIL), came into force on 20 May 2005 to support the development of critical State institutions. UNOTIL was scheduled to end its mandate in 2006. However, due to fresh violence and disturbance including assassination bids on President and Prime Minister, On 25 August 2006, United Nations decided to establish the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) to maintain law and order until the national police of Timor Leste (PNTL) could undergo reorganization and restructuring. If the hearsay is to be believed then UNMIT will wind up its mission by 2012.

Language situation

With brief knowledge of history, it will be easy to comprehend the prevailing complexity of languages.

The Portuguese during their colonial rule adopted Tetum as working language, one of the twenty odd local languages of East Timor, along with Portuguese. Tetum spread all over the country with almost 60% of people speaking it and 80% of area covered. Portuguese became an official language but literally understood only to those who had been part of education system or in job. Portuguese adopted a policy of non-interference and education system was not very much developed. Even the propagation of Christianity was in local language, Tetum. Therefore, only those who had been either to schools, colleges or in job under Portuguese, before 1975, knew Portuguese. Tetum however remained the most popular language.

Once Indonesian army took over in 1975, Portuguese language went into oblivion. Indonesians who believed in direct control introduced Bahasa (Indonesian language), though Tetum still continued as popular language. The educational system was developed, institutions established, and Bahasa became a medium of instruction. More East Timorese went to university in Indonesia era than pre 1975 period. Due to their direct involvement Bahasa became a very popular language and almost everybody started speaking and understanding the language. It is estimated that 60% of the East Timorese speak Bahasa. During the Indonesian tyrannical rule almost one third of the country’s population got killed. In the twenty four years of constant war for independence most of the rebels died who belonged to the Portuguese era. A new generation, which grew to become youth, belonged to Bahasa epoch. Portuguese as a language virtually had become a history for most.

In 1999 with the advent of UN mission, English became an official language of operation. It was an English speaking mission. The youth understood the charm of English and they started learning the language, which became an instant hope of employment. The Australian influence on Timor can also not be discounted. The English movies are very popular here and the mass unemployed youth whose passion is to play guitar can be found playing and singing either Bahasa or English songs. Though proper and very reliable census is not available, according to available statistics more than 70% of the population is youth, and average age of Timor Leste is less than twenty, which is more inclined to learn English than Portuguese. Every fifth youth can be seen trying hard to utter few English words to catch attention of the international in this UN Mission area.

The constitutional position

Timor Leste’s Constitution accepts Portuguese and Tetum as official languages and English is the working language. This choice of Portuguese as official language has instigated lot of debate. Here it will be relevant to enumerate the pros and cons, as discussed, for giving Portuguese a constitutional position.

In favour of Portuguese

The clique espousing Portuguese has their own grounds of justification

· Most of the Ex-Portugal colony nations are having Portuguese as one of their official language like in Angola, Mozambique and Brazil. Therefore, it was a natural consequence of decolonolisation, to adopt Portuguese as official language.

· East Timor has a history of Portugal influence for more than five hundred years, since it landed sometime in 1509. The influence still prevails over culture and acceptance of language only fortifies it.

· Portuguese was the language besides Tetum during their rule for centuries. It is argued that Portuguese language will help the youth to understand the history and struggle of East Timor

· Despite the Indonesian annexation, East Timor was considered internationally as, “non-self-governing territory under Portuguese administration”, so the umbilical cord was never severed. The importance is inferred by the fact that UN included Portugal besides Indonesia in the process of brokering for establishing peace, which ultimately resulted in “Popular Consultation” and Independence.

· Along with language, East Timor is adopting Portugal educational system, which will harmonize the development with Europe.

· Portugal will open the gates of Europe to Timor Leste. The citizens will get Portuguese passport which will help free entry into Europe

· Timor Leste still owes to Portugal because they were the first to make appearance to salvage Timor Leste, as biggest donors, when Indonesian’s left after onslaught in 1999, following ‘Popular Consultation”.

Official Position

The President of East Timor, Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Mr. Ramos Horta during a dialogue with students at the Timor-Leste National University, in Dili, on 03 Aug 2009, commented that students should not consider Portuguese language, which is being used in the country as a new colonial language in Timor-Leste. He stressed that Portuguese language was based on historical identity of Timor-Leste and said the Tetum language still needed to adopt many words from the Portuguese language. He further added that Timorese people should be proud, as many people in the country were mastering many languages. He added that it was necessary for the Government to really use Indonesian language [Bahasa Indonesia] and English as working languages in the country.

In opposition to Portuguese and an alternate theory

· Portuguese is no more a popular language and passed away to oblivion, now known to a few. There will be problem in official business because of dearth of knowledge of the language.

· During Portuguese era only the educated elite and few others spoke Portuguese (around 15% of population) and at the time of independence after 25 years of Indonesian governance the percentage declined to less than 5% and they were principally elders.

· Portuguese being alien to the youth it will take minimum seven to ten years before the youth will be prepared to use the language, the way it is desired. So virtually it means putting hurdles in the development for almost a decade, just because of wrong choice of language, at the time when it is expected for them to take a flying start.

· Clinging to colonial legacy and emotional decisions which may jeopardize development is not a mature decision and contrary to rules of diplomacy

· Tetum, the only language common to all eras is very limited language. The language has only seven thousand words to its vocabulary and the grammar is not developed. Sometimes it becomes very difficult to articulate things as desired in Tetum and the expression is very confusing.

· So both Tetum and Portuguese languages have their own strong limitations which cannot be overlooked.

· English is presumed to be more popular and acceptable by the youth, which constitutes more than 70% of the population.

· Now by making Portuguese a mandatory language in school with Tetum, children are forced to learn three languages minimum; Tetum, Portuguese and English. English is a language of choice of youth. This had overburdened the youth and confused them.

· Bahasa is known to youth and Indonesia being a neighbouring country, Bahasa can be a better choice.

· The door to outer world is IT- access of internet by the youth is in Bahasa language and by some in English.

· When weighed with other languages like Bahasa and English the stakes of Portuguese language is considerably poor.

Why Bahasa or English

· Bahasa is the first choice of language for following reasons.

Ø The call of the day for Timor Leste is to have strong ties with ASEAN countries than trying to woo Europe which is far off land with having nothing in common. Bahasa is the language of communication with all countries neighbouring Timor Leste. It is spoken in Indonesia, Malaysia, a bit of Thailand and the like.

Ø The ASEAN countries have exemplary success story to be emulated rather than looking towards Europe which has a totally different culture.

Ø It is estimated that 60% of the East Timorese speak Bahasa and particularly the youth is very comfortable with the language, for it being the medium of instruction in schools during the 25 years Indonesian regime.

Ø 70% of the population being youth and they having knowledge of Bahasa it naturally becomes the first choice. The youth speak this language with love and comfort.

· If Bahasa is discarded by the government due to Indonesian past brutality, then English becomes the second choice for following reasons:

Ø Here the primary factor is the Employment .I have interviewed 50 Timorese boys and girls studying in the university. They prefer learning English to Portuguese. It is looked upon as gateway to employement; in UN agencies, UN and other international NGOs or an opportunity to immigrate outside.

Ø it is internationally accepted language

Ø Timor Leste has strong economic ties with English speaking Australia. Even the main economy of the country i.e. oil and natural gas is being explored by Australia.

Ø Due to presence of UN for almost ten years, English has almost become an undeclared operational language and even the constitution speaks about English being official language.

Ø If at all a new language has to be learnt by the youth then it is always preferable to learn English which is a language of communication across the world and choice of youth. English would open the floodgates of interaction with external world.

Popular opinion

To get a general opinion of the public, particularly on the issue of choice of official language, I talked with around hundred and ten people in Dili, the capital of the country, and Bacau, the second largest town of East Timor (short verbal interview with respondents). They both are the only developed cities of East Timor. 75% of the persons interacted with on the language subject were from Dili. The reason being Dili is the only place in East Timor with universities and other developed educational institutions. 20% of the population of East Timor (Country’s population is around 10 lakh) is in Dili (including floating population), though it occupies hardly any percentage of geographical area of the country. It is surprising to note that more than 70% of vehicles of the country are running on the roads of Dili. Majority of the offices of the Government, United Nations and its agencies, NGOs and other institutions are located in Dili. Despite Bacau being the second biggest and developed city of East Timor there is wide gap in comparison to the capital. This justifies for choosing majority of respondents from Dili.

80% of the selected respondents were youth, below thirty years of age. This was in proportion to the average age of people in Timor. Equal number of males and females were chosen. According to the opinion around 93% of the youth, cutting across the sex, wanted English or Bahasa to be official language. English because it will help them and Bahasa because they knew it. They did not speak Portuguese. Only 2% agreed on Portuguese and rest did not wish to respond. Amongst the 20% elderly respondents only 6% could speak Portuguese. 13% of them thought English would be good for new generation and equally opined Bahasa is language known to youth. Portuguese had historical importance to them.

Serious allegations

A certain group of intellectual who argue on the basis of above mentioned points against the acceptance of Portuguese as official language have further some very serious accusations to make, though in hushed voice and off the record. This is the statement which has all potential to cause a storm in the cup. This intellectual group, (with whom I had lively discussion and have been source of information to me, but who categorically wished to be unquoted) indict the constitutional and executive heads of having vested interest in adopting Portuguese as official language. They blame that the politicians at the helm of affairs have some Portuguese blood in them. Through either of the lineage, paternal or maternal, they are mixed descendants of Portuguese. This mixed people who are called as Mistiço by locals were the blue eyed boys of the Portuguese before Indonesian invasion and have still managed to bag the power by manipulating international support. For all the privileges of the past and present they are now trying to pay back. In fact this dissident group goes to the extent of alleging that influential Mistiço is having some sort of clandestine understanding with the Portugal government to provide them safe passage and political asylum in case of any untoward happening.

Ramifications?

The youth of East Timor are in dilemma now. Bahasa plays an important role in the region. English has its own importance as International Language. The knowledge of English is immediately providing them jobs in this poverty stricken country where job opportunities are seldom available.

The view of politically motivated acceptance of constitutional language is finding more buyers now and the disgruntled faction of intellectuals have even started discussing of forming a political group which when time comes would attempt to grab the power. They claim to be organizing themselves and wish to come to power once the UN withdraws; the tentative year speculated is 2012. They opine that it will be a ‘popular movement’ as there is common discomfort over the choice of language. Now the million dollar question is what is going to be the mode of political upheaval, a democratic one through hustings or a coup? Can acknowledgment of Portuguese as official language have such dangerous ramifications? Is there any possibility of endangering the tranquility of a nascent country, the youngest democracy, which still has to come to terms with peace? Does this so-called ‘popular movement’ connote to looming civil disturbance or a crusade? How serious is the problem? It needs to be examined and analyzed at the earliest before it is too late. There has been precedence of countries being carved on the basis of language, Bangladesh being one….