Contextualization

The trema is a diacritic that, until 2009, was widely used in written Portuguese, especially in words derived from Greek and Latin. It consisted of two small dots placed over a vowel, usually the 'u', and its function was to indicate that this letter should be pronounced, even if it was in a position in the word where it would normally be silent. With the implementation of the new orthographic agreement of the Portuguese language in 2009, the use of the trema was abolished in almost all words, except for proper names and their derivatives.

Understanding these changes in the language is essential to comprehend the evolution of the Portuguese language and how it is shaped by the decisions of linguists and the daily practice of speakers. Although no longer used, the trema is still relevant for us to understand the phonetics and orthography of Portuguese, as well as being essential for the correct accentuation of proper names of foreign origin, such as Müller or Hübner.

Introduction

In this project, we will delve deep into the world of grammar and phonetics to better understand the role of the trema in the Portuguese language. We will work together to review texts, research in dictionaries, and understand the subtleties of our language. Additionally, we will challenge our writing and collaboration skills, working in groups to create an engaging and educational presentation for our peers.

In addition to improving your writing and research skills, this project will also help develop important socio-emotional skills, such as time management, team communication, problem-solving, and creative thinking. Certainly, these skills will be useful in many other situations throughout your academic and professional life.

The resources we suggest to start the theoretical foundation are the book 'Gramática da Língua Portuguesa' by Maria Helena de Moura Neves and the 'Novo manual de português' by Domingos Paschoal Cegalla, both focused on the orthography and grammar of the Portuguese language. Furthermore, the Brazilian Academy of Letters has an Online Orthographic Vocabulary of the Portuguese Language (VOLP), which can be a great help in understanding the accentuation and orthography rules of proper names.

Practical Activity: 'The Journey of the Trema'

Objective

The objective of the project is to develop a deep understanding of the trema in the Portuguese language, from its origin to its rules and exceptions, as well as to develop socio-emotional skills, such as teamwork, time management, and research skills.

Project Description

The groups, composed of 3 to 5 students, will create a graphical presentation, the 'Trema Journey Map', showing the trajectory of the trema in the Portuguese language. This map should include the origin of the trema, its function, the usage rule, and abolition, as well as special cases where it is still used, such as in foreign proper names.

Additionally, the groups should include in their presentation real examples of texts (literary, journalistic, scientific, etc.) where the trema was used before the orthographic reform, and how these same texts would look without the use of the trema.

Necessary Materials

1. Book 'Gramática da Língua Portuguesa' by Maria Helena de Moura Neves.
2. 'Novo manual de português' by Domingos Paschoal Cegalla.
3. Orthographic Vocabulary of the Portuguese Language (VOLP) from the Brazilian Academy of Letters.
4. Materials for the elaboration of the Trema Journey Map (paper, colored pencils, markers, etc.).
5. Internet access for research of examples.

Step by Step

1. Group Formation: Students will be divided into groups of 3 to 5 members.

2. Theoretical Research: Groups should study the origin, usage rules, abolition, and special cases of the trema based on the suggested books, as well as research examples of texts using the trema on the internet.

3. Elaboration of the Trema Journey Map: Groups should organize the collected information into a graphical presentation that shows the trajectory of the trema in the Portuguese language.

4. Orthographic Revision: Groups should find examples of texts that used the trema before the orthographic reform, and rewrite these texts without the use of the trema.

5. Document Writing: Finally, groups should write a document explaining the project, following the presented report structure (introduction, development, conclusion, and bibliography).

The project has a one-month deadline for delivery.

Project Deliverables

• Trema Journey Map: a graphical presentation that includes the trajectory of the trema in the Portuguese language. It should be creative, colorful, and informative.

• Orthographic Revision: examples of texts with and without the use of trema, demonstrating the understanding of the rules and the ability to apply them correctly.

• Written Document: a detailed report describing the project.

Report

The report should contain the following topics:

• Introduction: an overview of the trema, its relevance, and the importance of understanding the changes in orthography.

• Development: a detailed explanation of the research conducted, the methodology applied, the creation of the Trema Journey Map, and the orthographic revision carried out. It should also present and discuss the results obtained.

• Conclusion: a reflection on the learnings and conclusions derived from the project.

• Bibliography: the sources consulted during the project.

The report should be delivered along with the Trema Journey Map and the orthographic revisions.

The project will provide a valuable experience of collaborative learning and practical application of grammatical rules.