A diversidade linguística como questão de governo

Abstract

-The aim of this article is to critically discuss the role played by discourses and practices of language diversity in the framework of the 'reason of the state'. This article investigates the way the 'will to know' about language diversity has worked in Brazil, from its colonial period until nowadays, related to the colonial device and the state government. In order to do so, we fi rst present Michel Foucault's conceptions of reason of state and of the birth of the modern states in Europe in relation to the religious and scientifi c domains. Then, a panoramic analysis of the discourses and practices of language diversity in the Brazilian context since the 16 th century is offered. We argue that that the interest in linguistic diversity and its promotion does not mean that discursive diversity is also being promoted, since the existence of language diversity does not imply, necessarily, the existence and protection of a variety of cultures, ways of being, thinking and acting in the world.

A invenção colonial das línguas da América

“…We argue in favor of the ideia that the "will to know" (FOUCAULT, 1999a) on language diversity in colonial context (SEVERO, 2013) is based on the same power-knowledge framework that led to the invention of America and Latin America.…”

“…Rationalisation of European States ran in parallel with the maritime expansion, consolidation of mercantilism, emergence of large territorial, administrative and colonial states, and the Reformation and Counter-Reformation movements that put into question the form of individual conduct (FOUCAULT, 1999a;SEVERO, 2013). It is about an Eurochristian perspective (GALEANO, 2014;MIGNOLO, 2005;LOURENÇO, 1992) that produced an intense range of discourses about the Other, characterized in the colonial context as the exotic or primitive.…”

O governo da língua

“…Os eixos "Política Linguística" e "Planejamento Linguístico" são considerados interligados por alguns autores na constituição da política linguística como disciplina (SEVERO, 2013). O surgimento desses eixos se deu na segunda metade do século XX, sendo que, no início, a política linguística dizia respeito a tomada de decisões, de caráter estatal-legislativo, referente as línguas e a sociedade.…”