Brockton Celebrates Cape Verdean Creole

by PAULO GOMES
13. December 2009

BROCKTON - On Friday December 4th Brockton, MA was marked by a very pleasant, culturally diverse event at Sodade Terra Restaurant. I had the pleasure of joining friends who not only came to learn but also to share at the event, hosted by Professor Agnelo Montrond. The atmosphere was casual and inviting to all who attended. I had the opportunity to speak with Mr. Montrond just before the start of the event and asked him what his motivation for such an event was. Mr. Montrond highlighted that the purpose of the event, which has become a custom for his “Beginning Cape Verdean Creole I” course at Massassoit Community College, is to celebrate the end of the semester and to promote continued learning for his students who came to participate in the program. The event encourages continued learning, by sharing aspects of the Cape Verdean culture through our food, music and dance. Agnelo states that this is an important part of the learning process and should not be overlooked.

I was curious to know Professor Montrond’s thoughts on the bill which would officialize Cape Verdean Creole language under a constitutional revision. As we know now, this bill did not pass in the Cape Verdean parliament. He explained that it does not affect him at all as a teacher in the United States, but feels disappointed that the language has not been made into law in Cape Verde. He reminded me that although the language has not been made into law, it does not mean that people will stop using and learning it. He also admits his frustrations with those who oppose the officialization of the language. Agnelo states that these opponents argue that conditions are not available in Cape Verde to officialize it but yet cannot state what exactly these conditions that Cape Verde lacks are. Agnelo foresees that this is an obstacle that can be conquered with time. He goes on to say that the colonization of Cape Verde had a deep impact on its people and some are still mentally colonized. It is a process of the current and ongoing struggle for independence: first we won our partial independence and became a sovereign state but as you know there are other areas where there is still work to be done, he adds.

Those who were present had the pleasure of hearing seven of Professor Montrond’s students display their new linguistic abilities, sharing stories and jokes in Cape Verdean Creole. There was even a song performed by Kyle Reed who started the night off reading a joke. I had the opportunity to speak with a few of these students. I was interested in knowing the students’ overall opinion of the course and the reasons they decided to take Beginning Cape Verdean Creole I course. Jamie Melchionne stated she enjoyed having gone through the course. She felt it was important because it would help her in her job as a nursing assistant at the Brockton Hospital and more importantly she adds, because she wants her daughter to learn and be able to speak Creole with her fiancée Danny Miranda. Danny, who was also present at the event is a descendant of a Cape Verdean parent and wanted to be there to support his fiancée. Caden Costello also enjoyed the experience and added that the course was an eye-opening experience. She signed up for the course because she was curious about the language and because she works along side many Cape Verdeans. “Learning a second language will help me be better able to interact with the people I work with,” she adds. Manuel Silva is a student with a very interesting story. Hailing from Carver, MA, he attended the course because he wanted to learn the language of his forefathers. He shared that his family had come to America in the early 1900s. Manuel remembered the language his grandparents spoke, which was a mystery to him and how much he wanted to learn it. He had the opportunity to go to Cape Verde for the first time at 69 years of age and enjoyed his trip immensely, traveling from Santiago to Santo Antão, Fogo and other islands. After returning from his trip, he signed-up for the course so that he would be better prepared for his next trip which he hopes to be very soon. Manuel stated that the course was enlightening and provided him with the necessary foundation for his continued learning.

After the students presented, it was time for the guest speakers. Alberto Pina who is a well-known community leader and president of FORCV talked about the importance of media in bringing Cape Verdean communities together from all corners of the world and in advocating for more participation between all who are interested in taking part in a constructive dialogue whether in the Cape Verdean community or in the broader community at large. Adriano Cabral is a teacher in Rhode Island and in his speech he highlighted the importance of civic engagement within the Cape Verdean community and thanked the students who provided wonderful examples for others to not only continue to learn but to engage in learning that brings people together. Jass Stewart was the guest of honor. Stewart is the newly elected City Councilor at-large for the city of Brockton and was there to support the idea of continued learning and active participation in the community. He also reminded all of us that he is determined to represent the diverse perspectives within the city and looks forward to advocating for the residents of Brockton.

This was truly a unique event in the city of Brockton. It was an inspiring evening that brought many people of diverse backgrounds together in one venue to share their stories and their experiences with a new language. One can only hope that Professor Montrond will continue to do this important work in the city of Brockton, building bridges between communities and advocating for his beloved Cape Verdean culture.

Source: FORCV
http://www.forcv.com/articles/post/2009/12/13/Brockton-Celebrates-Cape-Verdean-Creole.aspx