Desafios e Estratégias no Ensino de Português para Estrangeiros na Academia Militar das Agulhas Negras

Abstract

This article examines the challenges and strategies involved in teaching Portuguese as a Foreign Language (PFL) at the Military Academy of Agulhas Negras (AMAN), the main institution responsible for training combat officers of the Brazilian Army and a center for international exchange. The study highlights the historical development of PFL in Brazil, the institutional regulations that govern the presence of foreign cadets in the Army, and the adoption of competency-based teaching as a pedagogical framework. Given the profile of international cadets, the limited class hours and the demanding military routine create significant constraints for language learning. In this context, pedagogical choices must be strategic, prioritizing linguistic skills directly applicable to academic and military activities. Teaching materials, under continuous development, aim to reflect cadets’ reality while integrating linguistic, cultural, and disciplinary aspects. Teaching strategies go beyond classroom instruction, incorporating cultural immersion, visits to AMAN’s historical spaces, and partnerships with academic institutions, thus broadening exposure to Brazilian language and culture. The study concludes that teaching PFL at AMAN has a strategic dimension: it not only supports the full integration of foreign cadets into academic and military life but also strengthens diplomatic ties and consolidates AMAN’s role as an international reference in military education.