"You Used to Call Me on My Cell Phone" During our visit to the neighborhood of Bom Retiro, we walked pass many stores, restaurants and shops pertaining to many different cultures, languages and religions. After stepping foot off the metro, we were surrounded by people of different backgrounds and ethnicities. Once we go more into the heart of the neighborhood, I noticed restaurants and shops in other languages. Although I had many options to choose from in regards to places titled in different languages, I decided to choose this poster advertising cellular service. The company is titled “Luz de America Latina”. The company aims to attract people from Latin American countries so that they can have cell phone service no matter where there travel within Latin American countries. The most important aspect of this poster is the fact that it is completely in Spanish. One may wonder, “why is there a poster in Spanish in a Portuguese speaking country?” It is important to consider the history of the neighborhood to understand to variety of languages presented. Historically, Bom Retiro was the destination of Mediterranean, Syrian, Lebanese, and Italian immigrants. Currently, the neighborhood is home to many Bolivian, Paraguayan, Uruguayan and Korean immigrants. Just from walking around, I noticed many Korean and Bolivian families. Based on the residents of the community, this ad mainly attracts the Bolivian citizens. We found this poster on a corner store near SUS. Additionally, the ad portrays that the phone company connects all of the countries in the Americas. This strategy makes it seem as if the countries are similar. As we looked more into the store, we noticed more posters in signs in Spanish. In fact, I am sure the owners of the shop are Bolivian as well. I thought it was interesting that the poster was placed in an area where many immigrants go for medical attention so they are obligated to see this advertisement eventually. Advertisements such as Luz de America Latina reveal the aspect of diversity in Brazil. Many people not born in Brazil assume one look or ethnicity for the country. However, due to the mass immigration, there is more than one face that represents the country.
|
One Community. Many Languages.Similar to the above poster, I found this sheet of paper inside of the health center we visited. The health center, SUS, is the most popular in Bom Retiro for all residents, including immigrants to Brazil. I found this poster at the front of the registration window. While taking this picture, I noticed people of Korean and Bolivian decent in line waiting their turn. The poster comes in three different languages: Korean, Spanish and English. I was surprised that there was not a poster in Portuguese and it made me believe that maybe not that many native born Brazilians visit SUS, or maybe it was not needed. Additionally, the portion written in English may reflect that there is a growing English speaking population in Bom Retiro and more than likely, the English speakers visit SUS since it is a health center opened to anyone no matter their nationality. Seeing the poster draws my attention back to the readings we did this week about the Brazilian healthcare system. According to Brazil, healthcare should be a right, not a privilege. I completely agree with this ideology because in the United States thousands of people are refused basic healthcare because of their financial status or citizenship. However, hospitals and doctors in Brazil are open to helping anyone who walks through their doors. Moreover, the diverse amount of languages presented on the poster highlights the goal of SUS and what they aim to do as a health care facility. Even though they are underfunded, they are sure to serve those in the Bom Retiro community despite their background and what may seem to others a language barrier. What is also important to consider of this poster is the context itself. It simply gives directions to the patient to have certain documents ready. Compared to other multilingual posters, this one has no color or special pictures to portray its message. The plainness of the poster may have to do with the context in which its placed: a hospital. Additionally, the poster is not advertising a product for viewers to use but is informing them of rules.
|
Hair Cuts in Liberdade
During our visit to Liberdade, the small “Japan town” of São Paulo, we were surrounded by multiple street signs and restaurants worded in Japanese or Chinese. Liberdade is historically known for having the largest immigrates from Japan during the early 1900s. Today, one can hardly find direct immigrants from Japan and may only now find the descendants of Japanese immigrants. Chinese and Korean immigrants are now the majority of people who inhabit Liberdade. While walking with my partner during the tour, I stopped to examine this barbershop. Inside, stood an old Japanese-Brazilian man cutting the hair of a younger Japanese-Brazilian man. I noticed that the barber shop was very old as seen through the faded colors of the banner. However, I am not sure how long the shop has existed in Liberdade. What really caught my eye about shop was the sign that hung above it. Not only is the sign in Japanese and Portuguese, but it is in English as well. Having the sign in English prompts me to believe that there is some sort of immigration or population of individuals who solely speak English. Or, it could also mean that the barber shop is popular amongst tourists. I chose this picture because I believe it reflects the diversity of Brazil. For majority of our trip, we have talked about what is means to be Brazilian and national identity in Brazil. After this week’s visit, I do not think there is one look or type for the Brazilian identity. In other words, we, as Americans, should not label or create the model Brazilian man or woman because Brazilians come in many different shapes, sizes and colors. Additionally, there are many Brazilians today who have ancestors from Japan, Korea, China, several countries in Africa, and several countries in Europe. Liberdade is a good example of Brazil’s range of identity and people. |
![Picture](/uploads/8/2/2/8/82288560/img-1203.jpg?1469575510)
A Picture Worth a Thousand Words...In Multiple Languages
While walking down Avenida Paulista one day after class, I spotted a man of about 70 years old selling papyrus art. This was not just any type of art, but the pictures on the papyrus were of pharaohs such as King Tut and Nefertiti. Up close, the drawings were very beautiful and detailed including almost every color of the rainbow. The old man was sure to keep the drawings in plastic wrap in order to preserve its natural state. As I held the drawings in my hands, I noticed a small piece of paper on the back that verified the authenticity of the document. I also noticed that certificate was in seven different languages. However, I was only able to recognize four of the seven languages: Arabic, English, German and Portuguese. I was very surprised by the variety of languages presented since the man was selling the art in Brazil, a Portuguese speaking country. The old man sold these pieces of art in an area where, Brigadeiro, many members of the upper class, or elite commute to work each day. Either the vendor assumes his customers speak multiple languages or these pieces of art are sold all over the country. After I left the vendor, I thought about the possible customers and who may actually be interested in ancient Egyptian art. I am not sure if Egypt or Egyptian art has a large influence on Brazilians, but if so, I would like to find out. I am pretty sure Brazil is not the only country that sells these type of art documents due to the variety of language options, which also leads me to believe that ancient Egyptian art is popular all around the world. Additionally, there may be some Brazilians of Egyptian decent who can connect to this type of artwork. Once again, there is never one type of Brazilian identity and Brazilians are not limited to only one interest or theme when it comes to art to express their identity.