Class Note: Vowel, Consonant, and Semivowel

Introduction

Relevance of the Theme

In the vast universe of Portuguese language study, the theme 'Vowels, Consonants, and Semivowels' holds a prominent place. It acts as a central pillar for understanding how words are formed and pronounced, underpinning fundamental concepts in phonetics and phonology. By relying on word structure, understanding the functioning of vowels and consonants not only allows for better speech articulation but also their correct textual representation. Furthermore, the semivowel, a frequently overlooked element, plays a crucial role in defining the rhythm and timbre of the language.

Contextualization

This theme fits perfectly into the broader context of the Portuguese discipline, as an integral part of building the student's language competence. For the 1st year of high school, the study of these basic elements serves as a foundation for more advanced topics such as morphosyntactic structure, correct spelling, and text creation. Thus, understanding vowels, consonants, and semivowels is the master key to unlocking a wider range of skills necessary for effective communication in the Portuguese language.

Theoretical Development

Components

• Vowels: Essential sound elements, vowels are the true 'sound-carrying structures' of speech. They are: a, e, i, o, u. In the formation of a vowel sound, there is no obstruction of the air expelled by the lungs. They play a predominant role in syllabic construction, often being the nucleus of syllables.

• Consonants: Complement vowels in forming speech sounds. They are formed by some type of obstruction or constriction in the vocal tract, altering the airflow from the lungs. The consonants in Portuguese are: b, c, d, f, g, h, j, k, l, m, n, p, q, r, s, t, v, w, x, y, z.

• Semivowels: The semivowel, often forgotten, plays a crucial role in defining the rhythm and timbre of the language. 'I' and 'u' are considered semivowels when they are in a weaker sound emission position in a syllable that has a vowel with a stronger sound. They are called 'gliding sounds' as they assist in the transition between two vowels.

Key Terms

• Phoneme: The smallest sound unit that, when modified, changes the meaning of words. In Portuguese, there are 23 consonantal phonemes and 13 vocalic ones (vowels and semivowels).

• Syllable: A sound unit formed by a vowel (nucleus) and the surrounding consonants (margin). It is the rhythm of speech.

Examples and Cases

• Vowels: In words like 'amor' (love), 'educação' (education), and 'animado' (animated), vowels are the nucleus of syllables and are responsible for most of the sound we emit when pronouncing these words.

• Consonants: In words like 'pneumático' (pneumatic), 'brio' (brio), and 'fracasso' (failure), consonants play a crucial role in shaping the sound and meaning of the word.

• Semivowels: In words like 'cai' (fall), 'boi' (ox), and 'gratuito' (free), 'i' and 'u' are semivowels that help in the smooth pronunciation of words.

Detailed Summary

Key Points

• Importance of Vowels: They are the main sound elements of speech and act as the nucleus of syllables. Without vowels, our communication would be substantially limited and less effective.

• Function of Consonants: Consonants, interacting with vowels, contribute to the diversity of sounds we can produce, thus expanding the range of words and meanings we can express.

• Role of Semivowels: This element contributes to the melody and rhythm of speech, aiding in the transition between vowels and forming so-called 'diphthongs' and 'triphthongs'.

• Phonemes: It is important to highlight that the Portuguese language consists of 36 phonemes, with 23 consonantal and 13 vocalic ones.

• Syllables: The syllable, formed by a central vowel and the surrounding consonants, is the sound unit that makes up the rhythm of Portuguese.

Conclusions

• Interdependence: Vowels, consonants, and semivowels are interdependent and together enable the richness and diversity of the Portuguese language.

• Phonetics vs. Phonology: Although we are essentially discussing phonetics (sound formation), it is important to remember that these sound units do not operate in isolation but rather in larger systems of meaning, making phonology (study of these systems) also relevant.

• Importance of Theory: The theoretical understanding of vowels, consonants, and semivowels is fundamental to improving speaking, reading, writing, and spelling skills in the Portuguese language.

Exercises

1. Identify the vowels, consonants, and semivowels in the following words: 'cativante' (captivating), 'exuberante' (exuberant), 'herói' (hero).

2. How many phonemes are there in the word 'ritmo' (rhythm)? And in the word 'taxa' (rate)?

3. Formulate a sentence with a word containing a diphthong and another containing a triphthong.