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Language and culture buffs couldn't ask for more, what with the various foreign organisations throwing up numerous opportunities that can help in the making of a 'world citizen', writes Cedric Silveira. --- Susan, from Panjim, has moved to France where her sister resides and has been on the look out for a job. She recently got an interview call for a job as a secretary. Although it is not compulsory that she has to know French thoroughly, the company prefers if she could communicate at least a little in French. On the other hand Dr. Rajeev, a Goan doctor has got an opportunity to be appointed as a consultant in one of the hospitals in Berlin. However, in his case too, knowledge of German is desirable. They both seem distraught on hearing about these additional desirable conditions. Is there a possible solution to the above two scenarios? Today in Goa many different organizations, associations or trusts are striving to highlight the benefits of cultural diversity and language learning. Languages such as Portuguese, French, Italian, and German are presently being promoted in Goa. By learning a different language, it enables one to be more open to others and to different cultures. Besides fostering better understanding, it also sharpens personal skills thereby better equipping one for professional opportunities that may arise. Strengthening Cultural Ties Fundacao Oriente, which was established in India in 1995, is one such organisation situated at Fontainhas, Panjim. This Portuguese private foundation aims to carry out and support activities of cultural, artistic, educational, philanthropic and social nature, principally in Portugal and Macao. Within these general aims, the Fundacao seeks to maintain and strengthen the historical and cultural ties between Portugal and countries of Eastern Asia. The Fundacao Oriente has its headquarters in Lisbon, Portugal, with delegations in Macao and India (Goa) and a delegate in Beijing (China). In Goa, the Fundacao Oriente provides scholarships in the field of Portuguese language and culture at Portugal. A basic knowledge of Portuguese is mandatory to avail these scholarships and the course which is conducted by the University of Portugal (Coimbra) is of nine months duration. Scholarships for other individuals in different fields are also available and they may pertain to short-term or long-term durations. Exchange programs of research scholars from Portugal to India and vice versa are also being presently offered. Apart from this, Fundacao Oriente funds all Portuguese teachers from various schools in Goa. The teachers are paid on lecture basis. Of the various activities that the Fundacao conducts throughout the year in Goa, one is the ongoing lecture series on cultural continuity and social change. Here one lecture is held every week. Another important area Fundacao Oriente involves itself in is the promotion of visual arts, thereby providing opportunities to budding artists in furthering their professional careers. This is done mainly through sponsorship of exhibitions, catalogues, lectures on art and the like. In its 'Arts and Theatre Project' which is underway in collaboration with Kala Academy, it has brought together a number of visual artists and theatre persons. This project will ultimately culminate in the presentation of four plays at Kala Academy. Apart from that, a Portuguese Singing Competition in collaboration with Our Lady of Rosary, Navelim, is also in progress with participants having participated in the preliminary rounds from various cites and villages of Goa. The finals are scheduled for 1 October at the NIO Auditorium, Dona Paula. Promoting Friendship Another organization which promotes Portuguese language and culture is the Indo-Portuguese Friendship Society–Goa (IPFS). Established in 1991, its aim is to promote understanding and friendship between the people of India, particularly the people of Goa, and the people of Portugal and other Portuguese-speaking countries by conducting Portuguese language courses, fostering friendship with members, and arranging programmes such as film shows, lectures, music concerts and art exhibitions. A record number of students enroll in the condensed Portuguese courses promoted by IPFS, and sponsored by Fundacao Cidade de Lisboa and Fundacao Oriente. The courses which are held at Margao and Panjim, are structured in three levels -- Basic, Intermediate and Advanced -- and receive good support from students, many of them young and interested in learning the Portuguese language. "The number of students per class is restricted to 25, and what is fascinating is that not only new students enroll, but also old students who during the Portuguese rule in Goa had undertaken various degrees of education and wish to revive their knowledge of this beautiful language," says Gopal Poi Vernecar, a member of the Governing Body of IPFS. Besides, those attending the courses may not do so just for professional necessities but also as an aid for achieving personal goals and an adequate occupation in life. "Some others join the courses with intention of introducing Portuguese in their families, so that it is easier to communicate with families who use Portuguese as their communication medium particularly in the cases of marriages within such families," adds Gopal. This initiative has since its inception depended upon the support of Fundacao Cidade de Lisboa in respect of supply of books to the students, as well as deputation of a teacher from Portugal. Following each course, 15-day study tours to Portugal are organised. Such study tours are offered to 20 students selected for the purpose from among those who have completed the course. The selected students have only to bear the cost of to-and-fro air fare, visa and health insurance. The tour programme consists of visits to museums and locations of historical and cultural interests as well as some industrial units. This initiative is to strengthen the historical and cultural ties and also to bring about more closeness in relations between the Portuguese and Goans. However, it is through the efforts of Dr Jorge Renato Fernandes, delegate of Fundacao Cidade de Lisboa, and founder member and first President of IPFS who has made it his mission in life to devote his time and efforts towards the uplift of IPFS that a large amount of this success has to be attributed to. Other activities of IPFS include the 'Indo Portuguese Nite' singing competitions, and the Portuguese Film festival which was held in collaboration with Fundacao Cidade de Lisboa. Bringing France to Goa Alliance Francaise de Goa promotes French courses and French culture. Its courses are divided into four levels: basic, intermediate, diploma and advanced. The basic and intermediate courses are of 80 to 100 hours duration while the diploma is of 150 hours. The advanced course however is over 200 hours duration. Established in Goa in 1981, it also promotes competitions and exhibitions, like photography, reading and singing. Its project 'In search of France in Goa' involved bringing out the different aspects one could associate with France, and also found within Goa, like cuisine, bridges or plants. Its Director Belinda Fernandes states that each year well over a 1000 students undertake their courses, with a view to improve their French language skills for academic purposes or to go abroad. Closing in on Europe Communicare is yet another organisation, started a year ago at Alto-Porvorim, which promotes courses and cultural activities related to Portuguese as well as other European languages and cultures. Presently, Communicare runs under a trust which has a cultural centre and a kindergarten called Agro-Iris, where the medium of instruction is Portuguese-English. It nurtures self-discipline among children so as to think explore and reflect back on what they learn. The cultural centre offers Portuguese courses and shortly Italian and Spanish courses too will commence. The Portuguese courses are taught by Nalini Sousa, Sarah D'Mello, Irene and Natasha Romao, while the Italian course which is yet to start will be conducted by Kiara Iuzolinni. Here, the Portuguese classes are of 75 hours or three months duration, and on completion you clear a level. Three levels are offered at a fee of Rs 2500 per level. "A minimum of nine students is mandatory to start a course as or else it is not feasible," says Natasha Romao who is from Coimbra, Portugal, and is presently managing Communicare. She also plans to conduct classes in Portuguese conversation, an advanced course for those who have completed all three levels. Agro-Iris, the Portuguese kindergarten is looked after by Helena Hatos, also from Portugal. Children between ages 2 and 6 years are enrolled. At present, six students are studying at Agro-Iris. Besides, other activities conducted by Communicare so far include Portuguese language courses for Portuguese teachers, a puppet workshop for children, a Diwali camp for children, movie shows in association with Fundacao Oriente and a classical guitar workshop, wherein they brought in the talented Portuguese guitarist Daniel Francisco and along with the Goa Guitar Guild organised a two-day workshop. The Classical Guitar workshop was attended by around 30 participants. Other programs on the anvil include a theatre workshop and a story-telling workshop by Anna Madureira. A Nau, a link to Portugal Owned by Nalini Sousa and managed by John D'Mello, 'A Nau', a shop of Portuguese items started off at Caranzalem in the year 2001, before shifting to its present location below Jesuit House, in Panjim. 'A Nau' is the only shop in the city which provides all Portuguese items under one roof. Be it wines, Bacalhau (a salted cod found in the seas of Norway), olives and olive oil, Portuguese sausages, canned stuff, especially the sardines, tuna and pates, to the cutlery of traditional or hand-painted designs. The Portuguese wines are famous the world over and their collection includes the likes of Convento da Villa (Tinto and Branco) from Alenteio, J.P Moscatel from vineyards located in the Peninsula de Setubal region, Vinho Dao from the Dao region, Vinho Verde, one of the most delicious natural beverages and Vinho do Porto from Portugal's most popular Port. "Besides our wines and other items," says John, "people also come to relive old memories, browse through our Portuguese book collection, and if they are coming from Portugal they also tend to buy our stuff to present to friends and relatives in Goa." What A Nau thus strives to do is to present the experiences of Portugal culture to a person sitting in Goa. At home, world over Foreign languages taught at the Goa University include a diploma in Italian and a two-year Masters in French. Russian and German are also languages which are presently in great demand in Goa, but are not taught formally by any institution or organisation. Learning different languages and cultures certainly makes one more receptive to other cultures, so that if a person from abroad comes to Goa or one should go abroad, it should not be too difficult to understand the foreigner and vice versa. Acclimatising oneself beforehand to different languages and culture prepares one to face the reality when one enters another culture, either through marriage or on account of a job. It also enhances communication, helps erase preconceived notions or prejudices of other cultures, and brings about a fusion of the different cultures. It truly enables one to grow into becoming a citizen of the world! --------------------------------------------------------------------- Celebrating Language Diversity --------------------------------------------------------------------- On October 14, 2005, 'Celebrating Language Diversity' is to be held at Kala Academy. This year, the Consulate General of Portugal and the Alliance Francaise have decided to organise several events to celebrate language diversity in Goa. The objective of this initiative is to share the benefits of diversity and to promote language learning. The languages in this celebration include Hindi, Marathi, Konkani, English, Portuguese, French, Italian and German. On this day, a 'language fair' will be held wherein an exhibition providing information and orientation regarding the private and public offers of learning languages in Goa and abroad. Besides the fair, the Consulate General of Portugal and Alliance Francaise will promote three competitions: Short movies (5-10 minutes) whose script should include use of at least four languages. Poetry Contest where poems address the theme 'Language Diversity' and use at least three languages. Song Contest: Original songs that include lyrics of at least three languages. An Evening Gala will be organized with the participation of artistes representing each language. The evening will also include a reception representing food diversity. The profits of the event will go totally to a non-governmental institution well recognised in the social field, the Missionaries of Charity, Panjim. Reproduced on Goanet courtesy: Panjim Plus. CONTACT: Ilidio de Noronha (Editor & Publisher) [EMAIL PROTECTED] or [EMAIL PROTECTED] Phone: 2464687 or 9422058131.