The Marquis of Pombal's Project for the imposition of the Portuguese language on Brazil's native people and its application in South America

Abstract

Two teaching establishments were founded in the 1770s: a school and a secluded camp. Both were geared towards educating ihe indigenous population of Aldeia dos Anjos, a village located in the territory of Rio Grande de São Pedro. These establishments were based upon the Marquis of Pombal's Directorate, the principal aim of-which was the integration of the Indians into the colonial society. To this end, knowledge of the Portuguese language was imposed as an obligation for the Native population and the speaking of Guarani was prohibited. The present article deals with the limitations and implications of this linguistic policy.