Language policy in a multilingual environment: the case of Timor-Leste

Abstract

Timor-Leste is a multilingual country with two official languages (Tetum and Portuguese) enshrined in its Constitution, two other working languages (English and Indonesian) and over thirty regional languages and dialects. It is situated in one of the “hotspots of biocultural diversity” (Maffi, 2007) that exists in the world. In this frame, the Administration is the highest responsible agent for the development and preservation of languages; they constitute, in their entirety, a determining factor in maintaining the Timorese people’s cultural ties, democracy, national cohesion and social peace. In this context, the figure of the translator, who works in the Timorese basic public services and who must have adequate training, stands out. However, there are currently no specific training courses in the national education system for the initial or postgraduate training of translators. In addition, their work is not evaluated with solid criteria.

In order to promote reflection on the formation and action of these professionals in the East Timorese context, this communication intends to present the fundamental development lines of an ongoing doctoral project that analyzes the formation and the functional and institutional role of the translator in Timor-Leste.