Lusophone

Lusophone (plural Lusophones) is a term used to describe people who speak Portuguese, and more broadly to refer to the Portuguese-speaking world and its cultures. In linguistics and cultural studies, it denotes shared language, literature, and media across Lusophone communities.

Etymology: The term derives from Lusitania, the Roman province that roughly corresponds to present-day Portugal. It was adopted in modern usage in the 20th century to classify the Portuguese-speaking world.

Geography and organization: Portuguese is an official language in several sovereign states and territories, with the largest population in Brazil, followed by Portugal, Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Timor-Leste, and Sao Tome and Principe. Macao (a Chinese special administrative region) also uses Portuguese officially. The Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) is a principal regional organization promoting cooperation among Lusophone states; its core members are Portugal, Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Sao Tome and Principe, and Timor-Leste.

Diaspora and culture: Lusophone communities exist beyond these states, contributing to media, education, and culture in regions such as Europe, North America, and parts of Africa and Asia. Lusophone literature, music, film, and educational networks reflect the linguistic and cultural ties that span continents.