IN keeping with their desire to increase cross border relations in trade, sports and culture, the communities of Lethem in Region 9 (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo) and Bonfim in Brazil, on the Guyana/Brazil border, are decisively tackling the problem of the language barrier. The problem is being addressed through collaboration among the Rupununi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI), the Regional Democratic Council (R.D.C) Region Nine, and the University of the State of Roraima in Brazil, President of the RCCI Alfred Ramsarran, based in Lethem, disclosed yesterday.
The action being taken is the staging of a training programme, ‘Portuguese for Foreigners’ to be undertaken by the University of Roraima in the border town of Bonfim, specifically for residents of Lethem and its environs, free of charge.
The course is being held in two semesters, the first starting on April 16th and ending in July, and the second beginning in August and ending in December. Classes will be held once a week (on Saturdays) in Bonfim, and application forms for fifty prospective students are currently in circulation in Lethem.
Ramsarran said that the offer by the university came out of discussions held in Brazil by members of the RCCI, the Private Sector Commission, GOINVEST, Guyanese businessmen and the Governor of the Brazilian border State of Roraima, Jose de Achieta Junior, in January last.
He said the problem of the language barrier (English vs Portuguese) between Lethem and BonFim was a main item on the agenda of that meeting and it was agreed that it should be addressed.
The University of Roraima was tasked by the governor with addressing the problem and its Chancellor, Professor Raimundo Saboia, visited Lethem last week and outlined the programme for the Portuguese for Foreigners course.
The entire programme is scheduled to last for 120 hours by which time Guyanese students should be able to master the basics of the language.
Ramsarran said that the need for Brazilians to learn English had also been discussed at the January meeting.
It was agreed that the ultimate objective would be the establishment of a Language Institute in Bonfim, where Guyanese can learn Portuguese and Brazilians can learn English, and so accelerate the improvement of relations in the areas of trade, sports and culture between these two bordering communities.