Negotiating memories through language: an analysis of the choice of an official language during state-building in Timor-Leste

The main objective of this work is to contribute to the literature on memory in post-conflict societies by considering how the choice of an official language is entangled in memory politics. Particularly, in Timor-Leste, the choice of Portuguese as the official language reflects an effort to create a narrative of the heroism of the ‘Generation of 75’ whilst silencing the efforts and memories of the ‘Geração Foun’ (young generation)’ during the fight for indepen- dence. Therefore, in the constituency of the new state, language plays a crucial role in post-conflict efforts to (re) establish political foundations for the state and define how individuals will be remem- bered. This paper analyses the case of Timor-Leste and disputes over the choice of an official language after the re-establishment of independence in 2002.