Tetun is an Austronesian language primarily spoken in Timor-Leste, where it serves as one of the official languages alongside Portuguese. It is used by a significant portion of the population and has various dialects, reflecting the diverse cultural influences in the region. The language has also been influenced by Portuguese due to historical colonization, incorporating many loanwords. Tetun is not only a means of communication but also an important aspect of Timorese identity, representing the rich cultural heritage of the people in Timor-Leste.