"Jaikuaa, nhanhembo’e, jaiko vy ojeupive”

A University Teaching Experience in Guarani Language

Abstract

In this article, we write about a Guarani language teaching experience conducted at the Universidad Federal Fluminense from 2013 to 2019. The project was initially born out of our desire to open up a space for knowledge and indigenous languages at university. It was also an attempt to contribute to the implementation of the 11.645/200 Act, which modifies the Guidelines and Foundations of National Education Act, and makes it compulsory the inclusion of subjects like Culture and History of Indigenous Peoples in the curricula of basic education schools in Brazil. We evaluated that the extension course that we had promoted surpassed formal linguistic issues and embraced aspects of Guarani culture and world view. Likewise, this course considerably influenced the pedagogical practices of those who took it, most of whom were teachers, in relation with indigenous issues. The methods used allowed for the encounter between participants and Guarani language learning through weekly lessons, workshops aimed at making craftworks, playing games, dancing and singing, showing films and making visits to Guarani villages. We believe that the value of the methodological path that we chose lied in the fact that we allowed ourselves to be influenced by difference, and at this intersection, we became different from who we actually are.