International Journal of Language & Literature

The Institutionalization of the Teaching of Modern Languages in Brazil (1809-1890)
Luiz Eduardo Oliveira, Elaine Maria Santos, Ana Lúcia Simões Borges Fonseca

Abstract
This article intends to identify, describe and analyze the institutionalization of the teaching of foreign languages in Brazil during the nineteenth century, from 1809 to 1890, dividing it into three phases. During the first phase (1809-1837), which comprises the Joanino government and that of his successor D. Pedro I, as well as the Regency period, and which continues until the foundation of Colégio de Pedro II and the institution of the Secondary Education in the country, Modern Languages have a purpose that is eminently instrumental, since their study is justified as a means to acquire “scientific” knowledge. The second phase (1837-1870) begins with the institution of Secondary Instruction in the country, which coincides with the foundation of Colégio de Pedro II, when the teaching of Modern Languages, besides its instrumental role, assumes a literary purpose, more in accordance with the type of formation the Establishments modeled according to that institution should offer to students. The third phase (1870-1890), at last, begins when Modern Languages, by maintaining their instrumental and literary character, assume a practical purpose, as a “means of communication of thought”, despite the “exaggerated grammatical influence”.

Full Text: PDF      DOI: 10.15640/ijll.v2n4a4