Context

The trema, also known as diaeresis, was a diacritical mark used in the Portuguese language to indicate that the vowel "u" should be pronounced in the groups "gue", "gui", "que", and "qui". However, in 2009, the orthographic agreement ended the use of the trema in Portuguese, except in words derived from foreign proper names.

Despite its extinction in the standard Portuguese language, the trema is still used in many other languages, such as German and Turkish. Furthermore, there are words in the Portuguese language that maintain their spelling with trema to preserve their foreign origin, such as "Müller".

The Portuguese language is full of rules and exceptions. Although the trema has been extinct in most words of our language, it is important to know this rule and its exceptions for a better understanding of the evolution of the Portuguese language and for the development of a richer and more complex writing.

Introduction

In this project, we will explore the use of the trema in words and foreign proper names and their derivations in the Portuguese language. It will be a research and writing work that will require individual and collaborative effort, ensuring a greater understanding of the nuances of the Portuguese language.

Understanding the rules and exceptions of Portuguese is essential for efficient and effective communication. Linguistic rules are the tools we have to express our thoughts, feelings, desires, and needs clearly and precisely to avoid misunderstandings and ensure that our message is understood.

Practical Activity: "The Challenge of the Trema"

Project Objective

Investigate the use of the trema in foreign proper names and their derivations in the Portuguese language. Learn more about the grammatical rules, the evolution of the language, and the influence of other languages on Portuguese.

Project Description

The groups, consisting of 3 to 5 members, will have to research words that use the trema in Portuguese, focusing on foreign proper names and their derivations. After the research, they should create a well-illustrated and informative "digital magazine," addressing the history of the trema, its correct usage, and examples of these words.

Required Materials

• Computer or smartphone with internet access.
• Digital editing tools, such as Google Slides, Padlet, Canva, etc.

Project Step-by-Step

1. Form groups according to the teacher's instructions.
2. Conduct an online research on the use of the trema in foreign proper names and their derivations in the Portuguese language. Use the suggested resources and others you find relevant.
3. Compile the words found and document the meaning of each one, its origin, and the correct pronunciation.
4. Choose a digital editing tool to create the magazine. It should include a brief history of the trema, an explanation of its usage, a list of words found in the research with their respective meanings, origins, and pronunciations.
5. Organize the information in a clear and attractive way. Remember: the magazine will be shared with other classmates, so make it an interesting and educational material.
6. Review the work, checking if all information is correct and if the magazine is visually appealing.
7. Upon completing the magazine, each group must prepare a 10-minute presentation to show the research results and discuss the importance of the topic.

Project Deliverables

At the end of the project, the groups will deliver:

• The digital magazine, which will be evaluated for the quality of information, organization of ideas, creativity, and visual presentation.
• A report with the following points:
  1. Introduction: Provide context for the theme, its relevance and real-world application, as well as the project's objective.
  2. Development: Explain the theory about the use of the trema, describe the activity in detail, indicate the research methodology used, and present and discuss the results obtained.
  3. Conclusion: Evaluate the work done, summarizing its main points, explaining the learnings obtained, and drawing conclusions about the project.
  4. Bibliography: Indicate the sources used to work on the project such as books, web pages, videos, etc.
• A 10-minute oral presentation on the research and the magazine produced. The presentation will be evaluated for clarity, accuracy, mastery of the subject, and communication skills.

Students should dedicate two to four hours each to complete this project, which will have a one-week deadline for submission.