Published Paper Details:

Abstract Theoretically, reconstruction of a national identity is one of the leading tasks of a newly established postcolonial regime. Such a reconstruction indicates a process of nation building targeted at consolidating a sense of togetherness about common history, memories, symbols and cultures, and the belief in the importance of practices beneficial to governance. It aims at cultivating political allegiance to the state and feelings of identification with the territory and fellow citizens. Through this process, a new regime secures the willing respect and obedience of its citizens, as well as its legitimacy. Contrary to common wisdom, the process of identity making is not a clear process of differentiating 'the other' from 'the self' and repressing 'the other' but is instead a process of incorporating the identities of 'the other. The case of Macau is unique in showing that the making of a national identity may not be the prime goal of a new regime and that the regime may not be antagonistic to the features of 'the other' colonial attributes and local identities that it has inherited. Rather the new government has cultivated a hybrid identity, including local, national and international identities, believing that these can advance not only nation building but also the economic goals beneficial to governance. Portugal and Portuguese identity has always been very difficult to define. Being the origin of an empire whose evaluation is still polemic, the Portuguese have been seen in very different ways by their European contemporaries and as well as their colonial 'subjects'. The present study is an attempt to understand aspects of Portuguese legacy and the dimensions of 'interculturality' in Macao.