“A veritable jungle of languages”: Jesuits, linguistic policy and cultural translation in the missions of Spanish Amazonia (17th and 18th centuries)

Authors

  • Francismar Alex Lopes de Carvalho Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro

Abstract

This article examines Jesuit linguistic policy in Spanish Amazonia during the 17th and 18th centuries. First, it contextualizes Jesuit practices and conceptions of the translation of Catholic concepts within the broader framework of the linguistic policy of the Spanish Empire. Next, using examples taken from vocabularies and catechisms produced among Amazonian Indians, the article discusses the Jesuits’ main difficulties and strategies. Finally, it focuses on problems related to the translation of terms of the Christian doctrine into native languages and suggests elements to think about the indigenous appropriation of these terms.

Keywords: linguistic policy, Jesuit Missions, vocabularies, catechisms, Amazonia.

Author Biography

Francismar Alex Lopes de Carvalho, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro

Professor Adjunto do Departamento de História da Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro; Doutor em História pela Universidade de São Paulo; Pós-Doutor pela Universidade de Sevilha, Espanha.

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Published

2017-12-30

Issue

Vol. 21 No. 3 (2017): September/December

Section

Articles

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