Crioulo, Upper Guinea in Guinea-Bissau

Introduction / History

Upper Guinea Crioulo is a hybrid language that contains elements of Portuguese and local African languages. About 80 % of the lexicon is from Portuguese. It is spoken by people in three countries in West Africa: Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, and Senegal. Others speak it in the Netherlands, the United States, and Portugal.

Upper Guinea Crioulo emerged in the 1400s when Portuguese sailors and traders arrived on the West coast of Africa. It was developed by Africans who needed to communicate with the Portuguese. In time, it remained a trade language and a source of identity to those who speak it. Even after Guinea-Bissau’s independence in 1973, it remained a trade language and a source of unity.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Upper Guinea Crioulo is used not only for trade, but also for entertainment, music, and storytelling.

Since it’s more of a language than an ethnic group, one can expect speakers of Upper Guinea Crioulo to be in most lines of work in West Africa. They are commonly subsistence farmers who raise chickens for eggs and poultry.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Those who speak this language are Christian, mostly Roman Catholic. There is also a strong evangelical element among them. Some are non-religious or Muslim. All kinds of evangelistic materials are in Upper Guinea Crioulo, including a complete Bible.

What Are Their Needs?

Those who speak Upper Guinea Crioulo need schools and medical clinics in each village.

Prayer Points

Pray for their spiritual and physical needs to be met.
Pray for Upper Guinea Crioulo speakers to disciple others.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to move powerfully in their families, villages, and churches.

Text Source:   Joshua Project