Abstract
The aim of this article is to critically discuss the role played by discourses and practices of language diversity in the framework of the ‘reason of the state’. This article investigates the way the ‘will to know’ about language diversity has worked in Brazil, from its colonial period until nowadays, related to the colonial device and the state government. In order to do so, we first present Michel Foucault’s conceptions of reason of state and of the birth of the modern states in Europe in relation to the religious and scientific domains. Then, a panoramic analysis of the discourses and practices of language diversity in the Brazilian context since the 16th century is offered. We argue that the interest in linguistic diversity and its promotion does not mean that discursive diversity is also being promoted, since the existence of language diversity does not imply, necessarily, the existence and protection of a variety of cultures, ways of being, thinking and acting in the world. Key words: language diversity, reason, government, discourse.
Highlights
Nota-se atualmente um amplo interesse estatal e oficial pela diversidade linguística
A partir disso, toma-se como argumento central do artigo que a vontade de saber sobre a diversidade linguística funciona no interior de uma racionalidade Estatal e, portanto, como tática de governo
Mais especificamente sobre o interesse pelas crianças4 – seja em contexto escolar, seja em contexto religioso, embora ambos estejam interligados nesse período – é importante notar o papel do poder pastoral na gestão de suas condutas no interior de um aparelho de governo: “O problema pedagógico: como conduzir as crianças, como conduzi-las até o ponto em que sejam úteis à cidade [...] é esse o problema que foi provavelmente sobrecarregado e sobredeterminado por toda essa explosão do problema das condutas do século XVI” (Foucault, 2008, p. 310)
Summary
Nota-se atualmente um amplo interesse estatal e oficial pela diversidade linguística.
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