Amazonas state now has 17 official languages
The state of Amazonas now has 17 official languages, with Portuguese being just one among them. In an act held this Wednesday (Jul. 19) in São Gabriel da Cachoeira, 800 km from Manaus, considered the most indigenous city in Brazil, sixteen indigenous languages were granted official status.
The sanctioning of the law followed the launch of the first Federal Constitution translated into Nheengatu, the only language descended from ancient Tupi and still alive. During the ceremony, Justice Rosa Weber, the head of the Federal Supreme Court and the National Council of Justice, emphasized the significance of this occasion in constitutional history.
"I am sure that this act is a milestone in the constitutional history of our country. My wish is that we continue to move forward to achieve what our constitution aims for, which is to build together a truly inclusive Brazil."
The newly sanctioned law means that Amazonas' official languages now include, alongside Portuguese: Apurinã, Baniwa, Dessana, Kanamari, Marubo, Matis, Matses, Mawe, Mura, Nheengatu, Tariana, Tikuna, Tukano, Waiwai, Waimiri, and Yanomami.
Furthermore, the Policy for the Protection of Indigenous Languages is now in effect, ensuring the right to full public use of one's language, both inside and outside indigenous lands.
