Contextualization

The Portuguese language is rich in nuances and details that, when well understood and applied, broaden our range of cultural expressions and elevate the quality of written communication. One of these resources is the 'Cedilla' (Ç), which we have the pleasure of exploring in this project.

Although the use of Ç may seem simple, some students still have difficulties regarding when and where to apply it correctly. The Ç always comes before the vowels - A, - O, and - U in words of Latin origin and is used to represent the sound of 's'. Despite there not being many rules to guide you, the good news is that with practice, you will be able to master its application.

Importance of the Cedilla

The Ç is a peculiarity of the Portuguese language, and its understanding is crucial for the correct spelling of words. Misusing the Ç can lead to spelling errors and, consequently, communication failures. Furthermore, knowing how and when to use the Ç allows for a more fluid and understandable reading.

Mastering the use of the Ç also expands your linguistic awareness and leads to a greater understanding of the etymology of words, opening doors to the comprehension of other areas of the Portuguese language. In an increasingly globalized world, having good written communication is essential and an important differentiator, whether in academic life or in the job market.

Practical Activity: Building a 'Field Guide for Ç'

Project Objective

The practical activity aims to reinforce the understanding of the correct use of 'Ç' in the Portuguese language, stimulating creativity, collaboration, and teamwork.

Detailed Project Description

Groups will create a 'Field Guide for Ç', which is a didactic, attractive, and engaging guide on the use of the 'Cedilla' in the Portuguese language. The guide will be divided into sections covering:

• Origin of the Ç;
• Usage rules;
• Examples of words with Ç;
• Tips to avoid confusion with 'S', 'SS', and 'SC';
• Short consolidation test (quiz).

Required Materials

• Paper, pen, colored pencils, markers;
• Computer with internet access;
• Text and image editing software (Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, or free online applications like Canva, Google Slides).

Detailed Step-by-Step

1. Divide into groups of 3 to 5 people.
2. Research the origin and usage rules of Ç in the Portuguese Language, using the recommended resources and others you find relevant.
3. Discuss the researched content and define together how to present this information in a didactic and attractive way in the guide.
4. Develop examples of words with Ç, tips to avoid confusion with 'S', 'SS', and 'SC', and the short consolidation test.
5. Draw or download images from the internet (remember to cite the source) to compose the visual aspect of the guide.
6. Assemble the guide in the format you prefer: it can be a poster, a pamphlet, an e-book, or a slide presentation.
7. Review the work, ensuring all information is correct and the guide is visually appealing.
8. Prepare a brief presentation of the guide for the class.

Concurrently with the guide's development, students should write a report accompanying each project stage. The report should include:

1. Introduction: The student should contextualize the theme 'Cedilla', its relevance and real-world application, and the project's objective.
2. Development: The student should detail the theory behind the use of 'Cedilla', explain the activity thoroughly, indicate the methodology used, and present the prepared guide.
3. Conclusions: The student should summarize the main points, explain the learnings obtained, and draw conclusions about the project.
4. Bibliography: The student should indicate the sources they relied on to work on the project.

Project Deliverables

• The 'Field Guide for Ç' in digital or physical format;
• The guide presentation to the class;
• The project report following the established standards.