The international conference ‘Ibero-Asian Creoles: comparative perspectives’, which is co-organised by the Research Centre for Luso-Asian Studies and the Department of Portuguese of the University of Macau (UM), will be held at UM on 28 Oct and 29 Oct 2010. It will bring together major experts on the study of the Portuguese- and Spanish-lexified creoles of India, Sri Lanka, Malacca, Macao and the Philippines. The panel includes 12 active and renowned scholars from Portugal, Spain, Germany, Finland, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America and Macao.

This will be the first-ever scientific gathering dedicated exclusively to the Ibero-Asian Creoles, and it aims to foster the exchange and publication of knowledge in these languages, and promote their scientific study, particularly in Asia. Holding this conference in Macau is particularly appropriate at a time when there is an ongoing debate concerning the value and preservation of the local Creole, known as Patuá or Maquista.

The conference is part of the programme of the Lusofonia Festival and Cultural Week of China and Portuguese Speaking Countries 2010. In this context, the reflection it will induce on the past, present and future of the creole languages of Asia will permit a fuller understanding of what is meant by ‘Lusophone’ in Asia and highlight the creoles’ uniqueness as testimonies to the lasting impact of the Ibero-Romance languages in this continent.

The working languages are Portuguese, Spanish and English, and all sessions are public. Updated information on the conference can be accessed at www.umac.mo/fsh/ciela/ibero.


Contact person:
Dr. Hugo Cardoso
Email: hcardoso@um.edu.mo
Tel: 62862730