SIL in BRAZIL

This web site contains links to other web sites not connected with SIL in Brazil. The opinions and viewpoints of these other sites do not necessarily represent those of SIL members in Brazil.

About Brazil
The Brazilian Embassy

SIL in BRAZIL

SIL in Brazil is a member of SIL International, an international non-profit organization. Its primary objectives are to analyze indigenous languages and promote linguistically and culturally viable alphabets. SIL encourages the production of indigenous literature, and translates into those languages material of high cultural value. SIL cooperates with the government by offering bilingual and intercultural education for indigenous groups where linguistic research is in progress. See our constitution (in Portuguese).

SIL emphasizes the value of preserving and promoting cultures and indigenous languages, including endangered languages, as well as recognizing the necessity of cultural adaptation in a world of constant change.

SIL is made up of volunteers who are supported by people interested in this work; generally their own families, friends and churches in their home countries. Recently, SIL was given top rating as an educational charity in an article published in SmartMoney magazine. At present the members working in Brazil come from the following countries: Germany, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Scotland, United States, Wales, Netherlands, England, Northern Ireland, and Switzerland.

The work of SIL in Brazil began in 1956 at the invitation of two entities: the Indian Protection Service, an organ of the Ministry of Agriculture which preceded the FUNAI, and the National Museum of the University of Brazil in Rio de Janeiro. Today it is working in over 30 distinct languages in collaboration with national institutions in areas related to linguistics such as education, anthropology and community development. See the summary report on SIL activities in Brazil in recent years.

SIL in Brazil is an NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) with special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations, and UNESCO.