The Community of Portuguese-Language Countries (CPLP) this Monday advocated strengthening the teaching of Portuguese in member states through investments in teacher training and infrastructure to promote quality education.
The message was announced in Sao Tome by CPLP Executive Secretary Sacarias da Costa at a gala event dedicated to the World Day of Portuguese Language and Culture in the CPLP, celebrated on Sunday, May 5.
To achieve this goal, Zacarias da Costa argued that, among other actions and initiatives, “there is a need to invest more in the training of teachers, in the construction of adequate infrastructure, in the production of contextualized teaching materials and in the implementation of educational policies that promote effective teaching of the Portuguese language.”
The CPLP Executive Secretary stated that the Portuguese language “has developed uniquely in each CPLP member state, reflecting the specific historical, cultural and regional influences of each locality”, viewing this linguistic diversity as a “treasure that enriches” the Community. , “making Portuguese a pluricentric language with multiple centers of cultural and literary production.”
Zacarias da Costa believes that in the framework of the World Day of Portuguese Language and Culture, it is important to reflect on the challenges and opportunities that arise in the promotion of the Portuguese language both within and outside the CPLP space.
“At the domestic level, the main challenges include the need to strengthen the teaching of the Portuguese language, ensuring its quality and relevance at all levels of education. In addition, we must address the challenge of preserving linguistic and cultural diversity in our own countries, promoting respect and appreciation. variants of the Portuguese language,” he noted.
“Externally, we have the opportunity to promote Portuguese as a global language, leveraging its growing international recognition and influence. This includes strengthening cultural and educational ties with other countries and organizations, as well as encouraging the use of Portuguese as a language. language work at international forums, scientific and cultural events,” said Zacarias da Costa.
This year, the World Day of Portuguese Language and Culture at CPLP was celebrated under the theme “Youth, gender equality, digitalization and sustainable development – challenges for the future of CPLP”.
The Executive Secretary of the CPLP stated that “the performance of the Portuguese language reflects its extensive global presence, spoken by more than 270 million people, its official status in nine countries and its recognition in 15 international organizations”, but stated that it is “very important” to have “official indicators for continuous monitoring of its development and impact.”
Zacarias da Costa recalled that the CPLP Conference of Heads of State and Government held in Sao Tome last year “recognized the urgency of updating and ensuring continued access to these indicators.”
“By taking this measure, we reaffirm our commitment to the promotion and protection of the Portuguese language as a fundamental and structuring vector of strategy and identity, shared by all members of our community,” emphasized Zacarias da Costa.
For Sacarias da Costa, “the Portuguese language is not only a tool of communication, but also a valuable economic asset that facilitates trade and business between CPLP member states and represents the potential for cooperation and commercial partnerships in various sectors.”
“A clear example of this is the growth of the Portuguese language publishing market, with an increase in the number of literary works translated and sold internationally,” he emphasized.
The celebration of the World Day of Portuguese Language and Culture in the CPLP was chaired by the President of the Parliament of São Tomé, Selmira Sacramento, and was attended by the Prime Minister of the archipelago, Patrice Trovoada, as well as some members of its executive branch. such as the Minister of Culture of Portugal Dalila Rodrigues and Equatorial Guinea, as well as several guests, including representatives of the culture of São Tomé.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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