DILI, 23 november 2021 (TATOLI) – Academic research plays important role in finding and understanding the linguistic and cultural transformation in a society like Timor-Leste, said the Rector of the National University of Timor-Lorosa’e (UNTL), João Martins, in his remarks at the international seminar, organized by the Center for Arts and Cultural Studies (CECA) and Tetun Language Department of UNTL.
The theme of the international seminar was: “Studies on linguistic and cultural transformation”.
Martins said language and culture are two of the most cornerstones of the national identity of a nation.
“Academic research is important to find out the change and transformation of a language and culture in a society. Therefore, I challenge the academicians of the UNTL, including researchers and lecturers as well as students to engage yourselves in academic research, focusing on linguistic and cultural transformation,” Martins said at UNTL’s Conference Hall, in Dili, today.
He said it is important to know the linguistic and cultural changes that have taken place in Timorese society.
“Language and culture are passed from generation to generation, and it is clear that there is a cultural evolution of language has taken place in our society. Thus, academic research is the only way for us to identify this kind of change”, said Martins.
Martins praise both CECA and the Department of Tetun Language for organizing the international seminar on “Studies on linguistic and cultural transformation”.
At the same place, one of the speakers at the international seminar, Benjamin de Araújo Côrte-Real, said that academicians, lecturers, and students need to be men of letters, which means engaging in literary activity, especially professional writers and scholars.
In addition, Paulino Vicente, Director of the Center for Arts and Cultural Studies (CECA), informed that the international seminar aims to promote the results of the research by UNTL lecturers on linguistic and cultural transformation.
“Lecturers and researchers of UNTL will present the results of their research during the 2-day seminar. This seminar gives them pathways to produce the result of their research into books. These books will be published in 2022, and definitely, they will put effort to make it happen,” Paulino said.
Researchers who were presenting their research at the seminar included lecturers from the department of Tetun Language, and Teacher Training, as well as lecturers from Brazil and Portugal at UNTL.
More than 200 students from the department of Tetun Language, Portuguese Language, Teacher Training, and Social Communication were present at the 2-day international seminar.
Journalist: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Nelia Borges Rosario
