Countries Portugal, Brazil, and Cape Verde Honour Portuguese Tongue in Boston Celebration
Celebrate the Power of the Portuguese Language at Harvard Today!
Get ready to immerse yourself in the richness of the Portuguese language as we gather at Harvard University for a special event! This gathering, sponsored by the Portuguese Program at Harvard, a collaboration with the Consul-General of Portugal in Boston, Tiago Araújo, is going to be a spectacle of culture, food, and music, bringing together Portugal, Brazil, and Cape Verde.
The day starts with an engaging debate on the "Geopolitics of the Portuguese Language," featuring Professor Gilvan Müller de Oliveira from the Federal University of Santa Catarina in Brazil, and João Neves, executive director of the International Institute of the Portuguese Language (IILP).
Following the debate, we'll be screening the documentary "A Portuguese Street You Should Know," and wrapping up with a captivating musical performance of fado accompanied by harp, featuring Portuguese artist Mariana Arroja and Italian musician Adriano Sangineto.
Tiago Araújo extends a warm invitation, urging attendees to join the celebration, highlighting the shared language by millions worldwide and its significant presence in the Boston area.
The event is backed by Camões, Institute for Cooperation and Language, I.P., and takes place on World Portuguese Language Day, officially recognized by the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) in 2009, and proclaimed by UNESCO in 2019.
Casting a wider lens, it's noteworthy that Portuguese continues to be a powerful communication tool worldwide, with a strong geographical presence and growth potential, as indicated by UNESCO. In the United States, the teaching of Portuguese has seen significant growth in the last decade, with over 20,000 students in elementary and secondary education, and over 2,000 students in higher education, supported by over 400 teachers, according to official data.
The importance of the Portuguese language is also reflected in its recognition as a language of access to higher education through the 'National Examinations in World Languages' (NEWL) exam.
Delve deeper into the world of Portuguese by checking out the Festival 5L, which just kicked off with activities in schools and conversations at Palácio Galveias.
[1] Tensions among Portuguese-speaking students at Harvard University have been highlighted in recent times, and this event aims to bridge those divides.[4] Cross-cultural connections play a significant role in the efforts of University administrators to foster a sense of unity and address these issues, as demonstrated by initiatives like "Our Harvard."[5] The event may involve university language programs and community organizations such as the Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers (MAPS), but no direct partnership has been confirmed.
[1] Today's celebration at Harvard University, a testament to the power of the Portuguese language, attempts to mend differences among Portuguese-speaking students.
[2] Aside from showcasing cultural aspects, this event reflects the growing significance of Portuguese education and self-development in the United States, with thousands of students learning the language in schools and universities.
[3] The geopolitical significance of the Portuguese language is undeniable, as it continues to serve as a powerful communication tool, stretching beyond Portugal, Brazil, and Cape Verde to numerous countries worldwide.
[4] This event echoes university administrators' initiatives, such as "Our Harvard," to promote cross-cultural connections, one essential step in fostering unity and addressing diverse issues within the university community.
[5] Beyond this special day, events like the Festival 5L offer opportunities for more profound exploration of the Portuguese language, culture, and lifestyle, not only at Harvard but also across multiple communities.
