Laurentino das Neves (left) and Alexis Tam
The Portuguese Institute of the Orient (IPOR) launched a Portuguese-Chinese phrasebook to mark its 25th anniversary this week. The new phrasebook is mainly targeted at Chinese speakers who are looking to visit Portuguese-speaking countries.
IPOR’s director, João Laurentino Neves, told reporters that the institute’s role in the production of language learning materials should be reinforced in the future.
The phrasebook is an initial tool to “facilitate mutual understanding between Portuguese and Chinese speakers.”
Speaking on the sidelines of a ceremony to inaugurate IPOR’s 25th anniversary exhibition, Mr Neves stated that the Portuguese language is not only important for the business world but also in the fields of science and technology. IPOR was therefore looking to create a tool to help Chinese citizens in Portuguese-speaking countries by providing them with ready-made phrases focusing mainly on accommodation and transport.
IPOR is looking to launch two other language-learning tools by September, Mr Neves added.
“We want to be one of the institutions at the forefront of language learning materials production. It could highlight Macau’s role as a regional production center of essential Portuguese language tools in the Asia-Pacific region,” he stressed.
The phrasebook, which costs MOP70, will be available in local bookshops. IPOR is also hoping to make it available in mainland China through associations with whom they’ve previously signed protocols.
Organizations like Forum Macau or the Association for Macanese Education will also make IPOR’s phrasebook available.
Mr Neves revealed that, in the second half of this year, IPOR would host a meeting with representatives of different regions where the Portuguese language is currently being taught, namely the Philippines, Thailand, Japan and South Korea.
The institute inaugurated an exhibition at its Café IPOR on Tuesday. The exhibition aims to explore the institute’s memories and reflect upon its performance over the past 25 years, Mr Neves said.
Reviewing his work as IPOR’s director over the past few years, Mr Neves said that they’ve been able to achieve most of the goals they initially set for themselves. Ending his term in September, Mr Neves recalled that, “There were things we were not able to do but [reviewing] our initial strategic plan, we have been able to achieve most of the goals; we have reviewed our language teaching program offerings; we have diversified our offer, with our [training programs] even being recognized by universities in Portugal.”
Mr Neves did not disclose whether he would continue serving as IPOR’s director after September.
IPOR commemorated its 25th anniversary last year.
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