This paper explores the XVIth century "Indianized" Brazil. At that time, many languages were used, although Tupi and Portuguese prevailed. The first one was a general language (nheengatu) everybody spoke and the Jesuits had to learn. The second one was taught by the "Society of Jesus", in ABCs houses. In this context, Anchieta and others began to write plays mainly staged in Portuguese and Tupi. They aimed at converting Indians to Christianity. This study led us to the conclusion that this theater "civilized" the Indians, who became Christians. These plays expanded the use of the Portuguese language while ridiculing the Indian myths. At this moment, Indians began to change their languages to Portuguese, which began to prevail from the XVIIIth century onward.
Jesuitical education; Linguistic plurality; Anchieta's theater; Catechism; Acculturation