Protecting Macanese culture

Today our focus is on Macao's cultural diversity and the challenges in preserving it. Over 10,000 Macanese live in the special administrative region today. Many of them say the central government's One Country, Two Systems policy allows them not only to survive, but thrive. But as our reporter Han Bin finds out, many of the younger generation are not aware of their cultural heritage.

Among all of its cultures, the Macanese is perhaps one of the most fragile.

Miguel Fernandes, president of Macanese Association,said, "We're not alien to, but part of, Macao. We enjoy the same rights as all the other citizens of Macao. By recognizing and accepting this, a real community is born."

Among all of its cultures, the Macanese is perhaps one of the most fragile. Since Macao's return to the motherland ten years ago, many Macanese have left the region. Still, many remain, and they are the living legacy of the Portuguese influence. And they are determined to protect their culture.

Jose Antonio Carion, Jr, Paralegal, said, "The Macanese language is spoken by our ancestors. But today, people don't speak the language anymore. I still remember it from my grandfather. It's part of our culture and has to be preserved. I won't say it's a Chinese or Macanese culture, but it's a culture that has to stay.”