DILI, 24 january 2023 ( TATOLI)- The Vice-Rector for External Relations of the University of Coimbra, João Nuno Calvao da Silva, said that the Portuguese Language unites various peoples from four regions in the world: Asia, Africa, America, and Europe.
Silva made his comment in the context of meeting with the former students of the University of Coimbra under the theme ” the Portuguese Language is a vehicle for cooperation with two peoples” at the Cultural Center of the Embassay of Portugal in Dili.
” We discussed the role of the Portuguese Language in the union between Portugal and Timor – Leste but also covering Angola, Brazil, Cabo Verde, Sao Tome, and Principe,” said Joao Nuno Calvao to TATOLI.
Silva also said that the Portuguese Language ” is a fundamental strategic asset politically and diplomatically that reinforces the economic policy.
Question about the development of the Portuguese Language in Timor – Leste, the Vice-Rector said that: “In life, there is always room and time to improve and become a prefect. I notice and evaluate, the interim of infrastructure and human Capital in Timor-Leste” For Silva:” the most important thing is to continue to remain in a climate of political stability so that other countries can help consolidate the young nation”.
He also praised the former Timorese students of the University in Timor – Leste.
Valentim Ximenes, a former student at the University of Coimbra, suggested to all higher education institutions as well as scientific organizations and Timorese Research Center, to promote Portuguese as a language of science that harmonize the orthographic standard of Tetum.
“The Portuguese Language is the Foundation for Tetum to develop and build itself. The Tetum language is in the process of building lexical and grammatical structures” said Ximenes.
Finally, the former students also asked the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries ( CPLP) and the University of Coimbra to reinforce training in Portuguese and Tetum for the Timorese.
Journalist: Jejuina Xavier
Editor: Maria Auxiladora
Translation : Camilio de Sousa
