The Relationship between Portuguese and Indigenous Languages in the Community of Portuguese Language Countries: An Existential Sociolinguistics Perspective

Abstract

This study analyzes the relationship between Portuguese and indigenous or regional and national languages in the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP). It proposes a multilingual language policy and the implementation of the political legitimacy of linguistic minority rights (PLLMR) as a demonstration of a decolonized treatment of languages other than Portuguese (LOTP) in the community. Using the theoretical framework of existential sociolinguistics and the method of philosophical reflection, this study addresses the question of how can CPLP implement multilingual policy in its governmental processes and sustain its Lusophone international politico-economic and sociocultural organization identity. In conclusion, it argues that the implementation of multilingual policy will demonstrate a decolonized governmental attitude, a sustainable existential intercultural mindset (SEIM), and a global intercultural citizenship in fostering existential justice rather than an anti-humanist governance or what I call econotechnocracy.