Língua Indígena Nheengatu / Aula I - História

Summary

This video script delves into the origins of the Lingatu language, which has deep roots in the indigenous languages of the Amazon. The speaker refutes common misconceptions, clarifying that Lingatu is not a creation of Jesuit missionaries but a pre-existing trade language, influenced by the region's diverse indigenous peoples. It was widely used for communication among various groups, and Jesuits later documented it. The speaker also touches on the historical importance of the region and the role of languages like Tupi in the Amazon before European colonization, emphasizing that Lingatu is a living language tied to indigenous identity and resistance.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Lingatu language is an indigenous language of Amazonian origin, not derived from coastal Brazilian languages like Tupi-Guarani or created by Jesuits.
• 😀 Before European contact, the Amazon was home to many indigenous groups, with a complex network of trade and commerce between regions, including areas like Santarém.
• 😀 Historical accounts suggest the Amazon region had large populations and significant trade networks, with the Santarém area being one of the most populous regions in the world in the year 1000 CE.
• 😀 The region of Santarém was a hub of commerce, where goods from the Andes, the Marajó Islands, and other regions could be found.
• 😀 Archaeological evidence supports the existence of extensive communication networks between indigenous peoples, suggesting the use of a common trade language.
• 😀 The Lingatu language became known by Jesuits after 1500, but it was not invented by them; rather, they named it and recorded it due to its widespread usage in the Amazon.
• 😀 Over time, the Portuguese language in Brazil underwent significant changes, incorporating indigenous and African words, similar to how Lingatu evolved over time.
• 😀 Lingatu is closely tied to the history of Jesuit missions in the Amazon but is not a product of Jesuit invention—it was a widely understood language before their arrival.
• 😀 The language used by the Jesuits in the Amazon region often served as a form of communication between different indigenous groups, similar to a lingua franca.
• 😀 The linguistic diversity of the Amazon means that Lingatu and other indigenous languages were already in use for trade and communication before Jesuits or Europeans arrived.

Q & A

What is the origin of the 'Linda Tu' language?

The 'Linda Tu' language is an indigenous Amazonian language, not derived from the coastal Brazilian languages like Tupi-Guarani or invented by Jesuits. It is an ancient language that existed before the arrival of Europeans in the Amazon.

What was the population size in the Santarém region before European arrival?

Historical records suggest that the Santarém region in the Amazon had a population of between 100,000 to 400,000 people by the year 1000 AD, making it one of the most densely populated areas on Earth at that time.

Why was the region of Santarém considered a hub of trade in the Amazon?

Santarém was an important trade center where goods from various regions, including the Andes, Marajó Island, and other parts of the Amazon, were exchanged. It had a well-established network for exchanging products like ceramics, food, animals, and textiles.

How did the Amazonian languages function before the arrival of Europeans?

Before European arrival, there was a widespread communication network between various indigenous peoples. This required a common trade language, often a lingua franca, that enabled interactions across different linguistic groups.

What role did Jesuits play in the history of the 'Linda Tu' language?

Jesuits did not invent the 'Linda Tu' language but rather named it 'Lingatu' because it was widely understood across different regions. They began documenting and spreading the language, but they did not create it.

What is the significance of the name 'Lingatu' for the language?

The name 'Lingatu' was given by the Jesuits to the indigenous language they encountered. It was recognized for its wide comprehension among various groups and was used for trade and missionary purposes.

Did the language evolve due to Jesuit influence?

While the Jesuits contributed to the documentation and spread of the language, the 'Lingatu' language evolved naturally, influenced by regional and cultural factors. The evolution was not entirely a result of Jesuit intervention.

What evidence supports the idea that the Tapajós region was densely populated before European arrival?

Historical and archaeological evidence supports the idea that the Tapajós region was densely populated. Notably, the 1491 book mentions a large population with up to 60,000 warriors and evidence of extensive trade networks.

What was the role of the interpreter in the Jesuit missions in the Tapajós region?

Jesuits brought interpreters with them who were familiar with the Tupi language, which was widely understood in the region. These interpreters facilitated communication between the Jesuits and the indigenous peoples they encountered.

Why do some scholars consider the Tupi-Guarani language family to be relevant to the 'Lingatu' language?

The Tupi-Guarani language family is considered relevant because 'Lingatu' may have evolved from or been influenced by languages within this family. The influence of Tupi on 'Lingatu' is a point of discussion, especially since some vocabulary overlaps with the Tupi language.