Lusophone, colonialism and globalization

Abstract

We aim at approximating the concepts of globalization and Lusophone. We consider that both concepts design complex, heterogeneous, fluid realities. The paper presents a historical discussion in search of a critical understanding of the dynamics of the Portuguese language in modern globalization. Initially, we explore the idea of the language in the context of colonialism and modernity, illustrating this discussion with a number of examples that point out to power relations, as racism. The second part of the paper discusses the relationship between modern globalization and Lusophone, paying attention to the role of transnational institutions (CPLP and IILP), and the colonial echoes on the construction and legitimation of cultural and political meetings. Among the defining elements of Lusophone, we focus on the role of the Portuguese language as a transcultural political sign.