Project: Reference in Action: Connecting Texts, Connecting Contexts

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Lara from Teachy


Spanish

Teachy Original

Referencing

Introduction

In this project, we will explore the concept of referencing in the study of the Portuguese language. Referencing is a crucial tool for textual cohesion, fundamental to the understanding and production of texts. It is a vital part of discourse that allows us to refer to something or someone without having to repeat the exact words or phrases.

There are several types of references: direct reference, where the identity of the referent is clear and precise; indirect reference, when the identity of the referent is implicit; and reference by inference, which requires a special type of contextual knowledge to be understood. These concepts of referencing help establish a relationship between sentences, making communication clear and effective.

We will also explore the use of anaphoric and cataphoric expressions, which are forms of referencing that respectively resume or announce elements already mentioned or to be mentioned in the discourse. We will also study the use of pronouns as referencing tools, analyzing how they can replace or complement a referent throughout a text.

Contextualization

In the real world, referencing is constantly used in various communication situations. For example, in a conversation, we can refer to a person or object without specifying the name, but still, our interlocutor will understand who or what we are referring to. Thus, referencing helps make communication more efficient and less repetitive.

In academic studies, referencing is a crucial skill in the production of texts, both to avoid the repetition of words and to cite research sources. Knowing how to correctly use referencing tools allows for smoother and clearer writing, facilitating the reader's understanding.

To further explore the topic, we recommend consulting the following sources:

Practical Activity

Activity Title: "Reference in Action: Connecting Texts, Connecting Contexts"

Project Objective

The objective of this project is to provide students with a practical and multidisciplinary experience on the effective use of referencing in discourse and writing. Throughout the project, students will explore different forms of referencing, understand how they contribute to textual cohesion, and improve their skills in the practical application of these concepts.

Detailed Description of the Project

The students, divided into groups of 3 to 5, should produce a 20 to 30-minute mini-documentary where they explore the concept of referencing and its practical applications. The documentary should involve its applications both in the Portuguese language and in another disciplinary context of their choice.

The students will have creative freedom to choose the format of the documentary, being able to choose interviews, dramatizations, slide presentations, animations, among others. However, the content must focus on the topics of referencing discussed in the classroom and also show how referencing applies to the other chosen discipline.

The references required in the documentary must include:

  • Direct and Indirect Referencing
  • Anaphora and Cataphora
  • Use of Pronouns as Referencing Tools

Required Materials

  • Computer with internet access
  • Video editing software
  • Camera or smartphone for recording the video
  • Research material on the topic (books, articles, websites)

Step by Step to Carry Out the Activity

  1. Group formation: Students should organize themselves into groups of 3 to 5 members.
  2. Choice of the Second Discipline: Choose an additional discipline besides Portuguese, which is relevant to the application of the concept of referencing.
  3. Research and Planning: Carry out a detailed research on the concept of referencing and how it is applied in the Portuguese language and in the chosen discipline. Plan the content and format of the documentary.
  4. Creation of the Script: Create a detailed script for the documentary, including the speeches, references to be demonstrated and the concepts to be explained.
  5. Production of the Documentary: Record and edit the documentary according to the created script.
  6. Final Report: Write a report detailing the project experience, with sections of introduction, development, conclusions and bibliography used.

Project Deliverables

  1. Mini-Documentary: The final product of the project will be a mini-documentary that explores referencing in the Portuguese language and in a second discipline of choice.

  2. Written Report: In addition to the video, the groups must present a written report that contextualizes the documentary and details the creation process. This document must coherently and cohesively unite the practical elements of the project with the theory studied in the classroom. The structure of the report must follow the following order:

    • Introduction: The student should contextualize the theme, its relevance and application in the real world, and the objective of the project.
    • Development: The student must make explicit the theory behind the central theme of the project, explain in detail the creation of the documentary, indicate the methodology used and finally present and discuss the results obtained.
    • Conclusion: The student should conclude the work by returning to its main points, making explicit the lessons learned and the conclusions drawn about the project.
    • Bibliography: The student must indicate the sources that were used to work on the project, such as books, web pages, videos, etc.

Students must strive to demonstrate as many skills as mentioned in the objective of this project, both in the video and in the report.


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