Both Portuguese and Tetum have official recognition under the Constitution of Timor-Leste, as do other indigenous languages, including: Bekais, Bunak, Galoli, Habun, Idalaka, Kawaimina, Kemak, Lovaia, Makalero, Makasae, Mambai, Tokodede and Wetarese.

The rise of lingua francas in the linguistically diverse Timor-Leste and the domination of several clans over others have led to the extinction of many smaller languages.

[9] Many foreign observers, especially from Australia and Southeast Asia were also critical about the reinstatement of Portuguese, arguing that English or Indonesian would have been preferable.

[10] In spite of this, many Australian linguists have been closely involved with the official language policy, including the promotion of Portuguese.

[11] Nevertheless, the late Sérgio Vieira de Mello, who headed the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor, was a Brazilian who established a close working relationship with Xanana Gusmão, the country's first president, as a fellow Portuguese-speaker but was respected by many East Timorese because of his efforts to learn Tetum.

This shows which percentage of the age group is able to speak, read and write any of the four main lingua francas of Timor-Leste, either as a native or second language.