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Mrs. Odette Van Marter
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The study of language is important. Although not the only means of communication,
language is the most efficient and commonly used. The study of a world language is just as
vital. Studying a world language increases knowledge of self and power of communication.
In addition, it facilitates the acquisition of the native language.
Knowing how to communicate in someone else’s language is necessary. It is also
exciting. In studying a world language, students learn about other people and cultures and
compare and contrast the lives of these to their own. They discover that although
different, other people are also similar. They learn that all are alike in their humanity,
regardless of their language, religion, customs or skin color. Today, we live in a world
of decreasing borders and increasing communication, unified by a common goal--business.
Once a long and arduous task, traveling the world is now becoming easier and faster, not
only by the traditional means of transportation (which are more efficient than ever
before), but also via computer technology. We brush shoulders with people who were once
far removed from us. We work, study, teach and socialize with them. From our offices or
classrooms, we converse with people on the opposite side of the world. It is critical that
we understand each other. As educators, we need to prepare students for this. Learning a
new language also teaches new concepts or reminds students of things that they may have
known, but forgot. It is important that students know their ancestral patrimony in order
to understand who they really are.
I tell the students of Portuguese descent, that although they have been born outside of the
country of their origin, they roots can be traced to Portugal. I remind them that whether
they were born in Continental Portugal, the Azores, Madeira, Cape Verde, Brazil or other
Portuguese-speaking countries, the United States or any other part of the world, they owe
much to Portugal. The language that they speak, the surname they carry and the traditions
they keep originated in Portugal. I ask them not to disdain, learning Portuguese and
encourage them to go beyond the acquisition of this language to its propagation. Through
the Portuguese language, they can communicate and educate. Professionally, they can be the
representatives of their community. Personally, they will be able to transfer the
Portuguese language to their children one day.
Currently, there is a lack of representatives of the Portuguese culture in all levels of
our society. In Connecticut, there is a lack of Portuguese-speaking governors, policemen, doctors, lawyers and
teachers, especially. I encourage my students to change this
situation. I ask them to continue studying Portuguese and become community leaders.
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Teacher of Portuguese |
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ovanmarter@bridgeportedu.net |
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