Accentuation: Graphical Accentuation Rules

Relevance of the Theme

Graphical accentuation is one of the most essential tools of the Portuguese language. It not only helps differentiate meanings but also plays an important role in the correct intonation and pronunciation of words. Mastering accentuation rules is therefore a fundamental step for effective and precise communication. This theme will unravel the complexities and subtleties of graphical accentuation, allowing you to develop a deep understanding of the correct and contextual use of accents.

Contextualization

Accentuation of words in Portuguese is one of the central pillars of grammar. It is part of students' 'first contact' with the Portuguese discipline, representing the beginning of the exploration of the nuances and details that make our language so rich and fascinating. Understanding accentuation rules provides a solid foundation for future linguistic and literary studies, enabling students to communicate accurately and express their thoughts effectively. This theme fits into the learning sequence after mastering grammatical classes and before the introduction to syntax. In short, accentuation is the 'build up' before delving into the complex arrangements of words and sentences.

Theoretical Development

Components

• Graphical Accent: It is the representative sign of the tonic accent in writing. In Portuguese, we have three types of graphical accent: acute (´), circumflex (^), and grave (`).

• Tonic Accent: It is the greatest sound intensity in a syllable. All words in Portuguese have a tonic syllable and can be classified according to its position: oxytone (last tonic syllable), paroxytone (penultimate tonic syllable), and proparoxytone (antepenultimate tonic syllable).

• Accentuation Rules: There are a total of 12 rules for accentuating words in the Portuguese language. These rules are essential to determine when a word should or should not be accented. Additionally, there are also some words that, despite not following any accentuation rule, have a graphical accent.

Key Terms

• Oxytones, paroxytones, and proparoxytones: Classification of words according to the position of the tonic syllable.

• Hiatus: It is the encounter of two vowels belonging to different syllables. It can occur within the same word (dia, poeta, etc.) or between words, when there is a need for the use of the crasis accent (à do montante, à tua disposição).

Examples and Cases

• Differential Accent (Rule 9): Only 3 pairs of words in Portuguese have a differential accent, meaning they are accented differently even though they have the same pronunciation. For example, the verb 'pôr' is accented to differentiate it from the preposition 'por'.

• Accent on the termination -oo (Rule 3): Words ending in -oo are always paroxytones, therefore, they are accented. For example, 'vôo', 'enjôo', 'perdôo'.

• Accent on open diphthongs (Rule 6): The open diphthongs 'éi', 'ói', and 'éu' are always accented. For example, 'idéia', 'herói', 'céu'.

• Accent on oxytones with 'i' or 'u' (Rules 2 and 8): Oxytone words ending in 'i', 'is', 'u', 'us' are not accented. However, there are some exceptions. For example, 'fiéis', 'úteis'.

• Graphical accent on 'i' and 'u' (Rules 4 and 5): The tonic 'i' and 'u', when forming a hiatus with another vowel, must be accented. For example, 'baú', 'saída'.

Detailed Summary

Key Points

• Graphical Accent: The graphical accent is responsible for indicating the tonic syllable in the writing of a word. The three forms of accent in Portuguese are acute, circumflex, and grave.

• Tonic Accent: Tonic accent refers to the greatest voice intensity in one of the syllables of a word. The correct location of the tonic syllable is a crucial component in determining graphical accentuation.

• Classification of words by position of the tonic syllable (oxytones, paroxytones, and proparoxytones): This classification is based on the position of the tonic syllable in a word and is fundamental for the correct application of accentuation rules.

• Accentuation Rules: These are guidelines that guide the correct accentuation of words. There are a total of 12 rules, each addressing a specific aspect of accentuation.

• Key Terms: Hiatus: Hiatus is the encounter of two vowels belonging to different syllables. Identifying and correctly accentuating words that have a hiatus is an important skill in accentuation.

• Key Terms: Differential Accent: Differential accent refers to the use of graphical accent to differentiate words with the same pronunciation. Only 3 pairs of words in Portuguese have a differential accent.

• Exceptions to the rules: Despite the rules, there are words that do not follow any accentuation rule but have a graphical accent. Highlighting these exceptions is relevant for a complete mastery of the theme.

Conclusions

• Graphical accentuation is a logical but complex system of signaling pronunciation and emphasis in words.

• The correct accentuation of words depends on their classification (oxytone, paroxytone, or proparoxytone), the type of word (hiatus, diphthong, or triphthong), and specific exceptions.

• Differential accent plays an important role in differentiating homographic words.

Proposed Exercises

1. Identify the tonic syllable and apply the corresponding accentuation rule:

   • Propaganda
   • Divorcio
   • Ideia
   • Boneca
   • Aproveitou

2. Determine if the words below are accented correctly according to the rules learned:

   • Item
   • Fregues
   • Guia
   • Para
   • Doida

3. Identify if the words below have a differential accent or not, and if so, explain the reason:

   • Pelo / Pêlo
   • Pela / Péla
   • Pelo / Pelô