The imposition of the standard European Portuguese language in schools marginalizes local variants and perpetuates the idea that there is a “right” and a “wrong” Portuguese
Despite being the official language, Portuguese continues to function as a second language for most Mozambicans. Only 47% of the approximately 28 million inhabitants understand Portuguese, and not all of them are fluent in it.
This fact was highlighted by some Mozambican academics during the celebrations of World Portuguese Language Day, on 5 May, which served as a starting point for an in-depth reflection on the role of Portuguese in a multilingual country like Mozambique.
Save University held a debate on the theme “Decolonization of the Portuguese Language in Mozambique: challenges and perspectives”, bringing together academics Ermelinda Mapasse, Brain Tachiua and Francelino Wilson, moderated by Óscar Daniel. The discussion focused on the need to rethink the way Portuguese is taught, spoken and valued in the national context.
Ermelinda Mapasse, from Rovuma University, highlighted that Portuguese in Mozambique is not uniform, but is strongly influenced by local Bantu languages. Expressions such as “tio”, used as a form of respect, demonstrate the cultural appropriation of the language. However, the imposition of the standard European Portuguese in schools marginalizes local variants and perpetuates the idea that there is a “right” and a “wrong” Portuguese. “We don’t speak badly. We speak our Portuguese”, argues Mapasse, calling for the valorization of an inclusive and decolonized approach.
Brain Tachiua, from Licungo University, reinforced that the Mozambican Portuguese language finds authentic expression in national literature, reflecting the diversity and cultural richness of the country. “It is in diversity that the language gains beauty”, he stated.
Francelino Wilson, from Púnguè University, stressed that the Portuguese spoken in Mozambique should be recognized as a legitimate and rich variety. He criticized the prejudice associated with the so-called “pretuguês” and defended a multicentric view of the language, adjusted to the reality of Portuguese-speaking countries.
The reflection points to the urgency of reforming school curricula, promoting local varieties and combating linguistic stigmas inherited from colonialism. The decolonization of Portuguese in Mozambique is not only a pedagogical necessity, but also a cultural and strategic statement in a world increasingly attentive to the plurality of voices.
(By Lucas Muaga)
