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Author: Esha Latif

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As a Modern Foreign Languages student studying French, Portuguese, and Spanish, I’m really interested in how language and culture shape our world. After spending the last year studying in Lisbon and last summer in Brazil, taking classes on Brazilian law, politics and foreign affairs, I knew that I wanted to learn more about foreign affairs, how policy functions on an international level, and specifically how policy is implemented for culture and language promotion. I was able to explore these interests through my summer internship with Public Policy Southampton by researching and writing a policy synthesis focusing on the global promotion of the Portuguese language.

This work mainly focused on policies implemented by the (Camões, I.P.) and the (CPLP). It also discusses how Portuguese is promoted in the UK, specifically :

Camões, I.P

• Increasing cultural initiatives
• Developing certification exams in Portuguese as a heritage language and Portuguese as a foreign language for children and young people
• Collaborating with universities across Portugal to provide online Portuguese courses
• Implementing the Portuguese language into various curricula in non-Lusophone countries
• Scholarships in higher education focusing on the Portuguese language and culture
• Supporting training for teachers, translators, and interpreters

CPLP

• Increasing the circulation of texts written by Portuguese-speaking authors
• Increasing cultural initiatives, like book fairs, in non-Lusophone countries
• Creation of more libraries and digital collections relating to the Portuguese language
• Increasing the international presence of the Portuguese language in international organisations

The APPG on Modern Languages

• Lowering costs and simplifying paperwork for group travel on international visits
• Simplifying the process of applying for funding for opportunities abroad
• Ensuring a sufficient supply of MFL teachers
• Rewarding companies that promote language training through tax incentives

Alongside writing this policy synthesis, as part of my internship, I was also able to attend different events. This included ‘Culture, Creativity and Policy: Building a Network and Sharing Experiences’ with the , which allowed me to understand how policy is created and developed using research. Additionally, I attended a session at the Work Futures Research Centre, where I gained valuable insights into the practical challenges of translating research for policymakers and the key factors involved in ensuring research is recognised and impactful.

Overall, my internship was an incredibly valuable learning experience. It enabled me to develop my writing and research skills, learn how to identify stakeholders and source grey literature. It also allowed me to explore existing interests in issues in policy, but it has also opened my eyes to what my career could look like.