Introduction

Relevance of the Theme

The study of 'Language, Communication, and Linguistic Varieties' is crucial for understanding the dynamics of the Portuguese language and its relationship with the communities that use it. Although the Portuguese language is unique, it adapts and changes according to the social, geographical, and cultural context in which it is used. Unraveling these variations allows us to better understand the rich diversity of our language and, at the same time, develop a more critical view of its use.

Contextualization

This theme is within the scope of Portuguese Language studies and is based on previous knowledge of Phonetics, Morphology, Syntax, and Semantics. The analysis of linguistic varieties is an important part of language study, as it allows us to understand that what is considered 'correct' and 'incorrect' in language use can vary depending on the context. Furthermore, the discussion on language expands students' views on the various forms of communication, going beyond the strictly grammatical use of language.

Theoretical Development

Components

• Language: Language is a communication system that has rules and grammatical structures. It is a social phenomenon and is constantly changing. Understanding the concept of language is fundamental for us to analyze its variations and understand the specificities of each one.

• Communication: Communication is the innate ability of human beings to communicate. It can manifest itself in various forms: verbal (using language), non-verbal (gestures, facial expressions, etc.), and mixed (when a combination of more than one type of language occurs).

• Linguistic Varieties: Linguistic varieties are the different ways in which language manifests itself. They arise from the need to adapt language to the social, geographical, and cultural context in which it is used. The main linguistic varieties in the Portuguese language are: dialects, registers, sociolects, and idiolects.

Key Terms

• Dialects: These are varieties of a language that develop in certain regions and may present grammatical, phonological, semantic, and lexical differences compared to the standard language.

• Registers: These are variations that are established according to the communication situation. They can be formal (used in more serious and official contexts) or informal (used in everyday and relaxed situations).

• Sociolects: These are varieties that arise from social differences. Each social class, professional group, or age group can develop its own sociolect.

• Idiolect: It is the specific variety of an individual. Each person has their own way of speaking, their idiolect.

Examples and Cases

• Language: The Portuguese language is a Romance language that originated from Vulgar Latin spoken in the Iberian Peninsula during the fall of the Roman Empire. Over the centuries, it developed and transformed into a language with its own grammar, structure, and vocabulary.

• Communication: Communication can manifest itself in various ways. For example, a hug can be a form of non-verbal communication that expresses affection. Similarly, a book telling a story is an example of verbal communication.

• Linguistic Varieties: In Portugal, for example, the word 'autocarro' is used to refer to what we call 'ônibus' in Brazil. Here we have an example of a vocabulary difference that characterizes a linguistic variety.

• Dialects: In Brazil, dialects vary from region to region. For example, in some parts of the Northeast, 'rapariga' is used to refer to a single young woman, while in the Southeast the same word has a pejorative connotation.

• Registers: The use of the honorific pronoun 'vossa excelência' to refer to politicians during a speech in the National Congress is an example of a formal register. On the other hand, the use of the pronoun 'você' in a conversation among friends is an example of an informal register.

• Sociolects: An example of a sociolect is 'miguxês', a type of speech used on the internet in the 2000s by teenagers. In this sociolect, words were written in a shortened form and with many spelling errors.

• Idiolect: Each person has their own idiolect. For example, some people have the habit of using words or expressions that are not common in the community where they live.

Detailed Summary

Key Points

• Nature of Language: Language as a communication system composed of rules and grammatical structures. Its perpetuation is guaranteed through the interaction among its speakers, being, therefore, a social phenomenon in constant mutation.

• Linguistic Diversity: The Portuguese language presents a varied range of manifestations, reworking itself according to the sociocultural and geographical context in which it is used. These linguistic varieties demonstrate its flexibility and adaptability.

• Linguistic Varieties: Dialects, registers, sociolects, and idiolects are the main forms of linguistic variety. Each one presents its own characteristics and arises in response to different needs of expression and communication.

• Dialects: Varieties of a language that emerge in specific regions, with notable differences in terms of grammar, phonology, semantics, and vocabulary compared to the standard language.

• Registers: Linguistic variations that manifest according to the communicative situation, being formal (in more serious and official environments) or informal (in everyday and relaxed situations).

• Sociolects: Linguistic varieties that arise due to social differences. Each social group can present its own sociolect, as is the case with the different speech of a group of young people and a group of elderly people.

• Idiolect: Linguistic variety specific to each individual, based on their particularities of use, vocabulary, and expressions.

Conclusions

• Linguistic Heterogeneity: The Portuguese language is heterogeneous, manifesting itself in various ways within the same country and even within the same community. Understanding and accepting these variations is essential for effective intercultural communication.

• Linguistic Contextuality: The use of language varies according to the context, whether social, situational, geographical, or cultural. There are no correct or incorrect ways of speaking, only uses more suitable for each situation.

• Meaning is Contextual: The meaning of a word or expression is determined by the context in which it is used. Words can have different meanings in dialects, registers, sociolects, and even within the idiolect of each individual.

Exercises

1. Analysis of Variables: Given the same statement, ask students to modify it to fit different registers and communicative situations.

2. Understanding Sociolects: Ask students to identify, in a text or conversation, the use of a specific sociolect and discuss how it differs from other registers.

3. Exploring Idiolects: Each student should write a short text exposing characteristics of their own idiolect, highlighting vocabulary differences, frequent expressions, and language usage peculiarities.