Professor Patrick Rebuschat, Camões Institute Chair for Multilingualism and Diversity at Lancaster University, took part in a community event marking World Portuguese Language Day at the Consulate General of Portugal in Manchester on May 16.

Organized by the Círculo de Leitura da Comunidade da Língua Portuguesa, the event focused on the theme Reading to Connect: Reading in Multilingual Contexts and an Increasingly Digital World.

Professor Rebuschat joined three other invited guests for a moderated conversation on the role and impact of reading, particularly in multilingual communities. Drawing on their different experiences, the speakers considered how reading can connect cultures, generations, and identities, while also helping communities maintain and develop their relationship with the Portuguese language.

The discussion explored reading as a shared space in which multilingual families and communities can exchange experiences, strengthen cultural connections, and reflect on questions of language and belonging. It also considered the changing place of reading in an increasingly digital environment and the importance of encouraging children, young people, adults, and families to engage with books and ideas together.

The event brought together around 30 participants of different ages. The moderated conversation was followed by an open discussion, giving members of the audience an opportunity to share their own experiences and ask questions.

Professor Rebuschat’s participation reflected the Camões Institute Chair’s wider commitment to supporting Portuguese-speaking communities, promoting multilingualism, and strengthening links between research, cultural organizations, public institutions, and local communities.

Professor Rebuschat thanked Paula Ribeiro for the invitation and for organizing an event that brought together different generations of the Portuguese-speaking community.