Introduction
The Portuguese language has a rich cultural history. Originating in Portugal, the Portuguese language spread to many parts of the globe in the 15th and 16th centuries, including Asia. Today, Portuguese is the sixth most widely spoken language in the world, with approximately 200 million first-language speakers. Portuguese is with Spanish the fastest growing western language. Portuguese is an official language of eight countries: Portugal, Brazil, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Angola, São Tomé e Píncipe, Moçambique and Timor Lorosae, as well as being the second official language of Macau S.A.R. Portuguese is also the official language of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) and of the European Union, Mercosul and the African Union. Today, the Portuguese-speaking nations constitute some of China’s principal economic partners.
Academic Objectives
The prime aim of the Department of Portuguese is to contribute to the strengthening of cultural and scientific bonds between China and the Portuguese-speaking nations by promoting Portuguese Studies at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
A fundamental objective of the Department is to impart advanced Portuguese language skills and cultural knowledge. Knowledge of the Portuguese Language, History and Culture is a key to professions in public administration, international communication, international affairs and diplomacy, international business and economy, historical and cultural research and translation. Such knowledge is central to Macau's international concerns and is paramount to maintaining relations between China, Portugal and the European Community, Brazil and the Mercosur countries, and Portuguese-speaking Africa.