A Plurilingual History of the Portuguese Language in the Luso-Brazilian Empire

This book explores the expansion of the Portuguese language in Brazil, challenging the notion that it was a natural consequence of colonization. It argues that state intervention and the power relations between different actors played a significant role in the growth of the language. Portuguese became an identification sign of being Brazilian, but different variants of Portuguese placed speakers on different social levels, perpetuating domination and inequality.

Format: Hardback
Length: 186 pages
Publication date: 21 July 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the intricate and multifaceted ways in which the Portuguese language expanded in Brazil, despite the multilingual landscape that predominated before and after the arrival of the Europeans and the African diaspora. Challenging the notion that the prevalence of Portuguese was a mere consequence and inevitable outcome of colonization, the author argues that the expansion of the language was a result of a complex interplay between state intervention and individual agency. The growth of the Portuguese language was a turbulent journey that mirrored the power dynamics and conflicts between Amerindian, European, African, and mestizo actors who played pivotal roles in shaping, standardizing, and promoting the language within and beyond state institutions.

Understanding Portuguese became a defining characteristic of being Brazilian, but this linguistic expansion came at a cost. Numerous languages disappeared along the way, and the book underscores that the virtual language homogeneity often assumed does not necessarily equate to social equality. Different variants of Portuguese, such as Brazilian Portuguese, place speakers on distinct social levels, thereby justifying domination and inequality. This research offers a comprehensive account of the history of a victorious language and the other languages that left their mark on Brazilian Portuguese.

A Plurilingual History of the Portuguese Language in the Luso-Brazilian Empire serves as a valuable resource for scholars engaged in the study of language history, Portuguese language, Brazilian history, and the profound impacts of colonization. By exploring the complex dynamics between state intervention, individual agency, and social hierarchies, this book provides a deeper understanding of the linguistic landscape and its implications for the development of Brazil and its diverse communities.

Weight: 530g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032319858