Contextualization

Figures of syntax, also known as construction figures, are linguistic strategies that allow speakers or writers to enhance the expressiveness of their messages, subverting the rules of sentence construction to achieve special meanings. They create a strong connection between the form and content of thought, enabling greater depth and complexity in communication.

Figures of syntax can be divided into four main groups: ellipsis, zeugma, polysyndeton, and syllepsis. Each of these groups has its own characteristics and specific functions that students must learn to identify and use effectively. In addition, figures of syntax are key components of poetry, prose, advertising, rhetoric, and many other forms of communication.

Language is a powerful tool that we all use daily to express our thoughts, feelings, ideas, and opinions. Figures of syntax are an essential part of this tool, allowing for nuances and expressiveness that would be impossible otherwise. Mastering these techniques makes us more capable of expressing ourselves effectively and convincingly, whether in a school essay, a political speech, or a casual conversation with friends.

Figures of syntax also play a vital role in the interpretation of literary texts and in the critical analysis of propaganda and media. Mastering these techniques allows us to unravel the hidden messages and subtexts of the texts we read, making us more critical and informed readers. Moreover, they are also a critical component of many forms of art, including literature, music, cinema, and theater.

To delve deeper into the subject, students can consult the following reliable resources:

1. "Figuras de linguagem: Sintaxe" - Toda Matéria.
2. "Entenda o que são figuras de linguagem e saiba como utilizá-las" - Estudo Prático.
3. BOOK: "Figuras de linguagem: do básico ao complexo" - Marcos Marcionilo. (Editora Parábola, 2019)

Students are encouraged to explore these resources, as well as conduct their own research and discoveries, to understand figures of syntax and their applications in detail.

Practical Activity

Activity Title:

"Deciphering and Creating: Exploring Figures of Syntax"

Project Objective:

1. Understand the different figures of syntax.
2. Analyze how figures of syntax are applied in different forms of communication, such as literature, media, advertising, and speeches.
3. Create their own material, a theater piece, that uses figures of syntax and demonstrates the students' understanding of the topic.

Detailed Project Description:

Students will be divided into groups of 3 to 5 people. The project will be developed over three weeks, ensuring enough time for in-depth research and creation of the final pieces.

They should start by researching figures of syntax, focusing on the four main groups (ellipsis, zeugma, polysyndeton, and syllepsis), and selecting two examples of each group found in different forms of communication. These can be excerpts from literature, advertising slogans, excerpts from famous speeches, among others.

Based on the selected examples, they should create a theater piece that uses the identified figures of syntax. The theater piece should be related to a theme from another discipline such as History or Sociology, thus stimulating an interdisciplinary approach.

Required Materials:

• Books, internet, and other research sources.
• Paper and pens for initial sketches.
• Equipment for recording the theater piece (can be a smartphone).
• Simple video editing program, if necessary.

Detailed Step-by-Step for Activity Execution:

1. Research and selection of examples: Students should research the different figures of syntax and find two examples of each. The examples should be noted, along with their sources, in a research document.

2. Analysis of examples: Each example should be analyzed in terms of how the figure of syntax is used and what effect it has on communication. The analyses should be recorded in the research document.

3. Development of the theater piece: Next, the groups should work together to develop the theater piece, using the identified and analyzed figures of syntax.

4. Rehearsals and recording: After finalizing the script of the theater piece, the groups should rehearse and record the performance. The groups are free to use any scenery, costumes, or props they deem necessary, as long as the focus is primarily on the use of figures of syntax.

5. Preparation of the report: Finally, each group should prepare a detailed report of the project, which should include the following: introduction to figures of syntax, an account of the research conducted and the analyses of the chosen examples, methodology used in creating the theater piece, a discussion of the challenges encountered and how they were overcome, the interdisciplinary connection established, and conclusions about the project's learning. The report should also include the bibliography.

The final deliverables of the project will be the recorded theater piece and the written report. The report should not only demonstrate the students' understanding of figures of syntax but also how they were able to apply this understanding in creating a theater piece, as well as the ability to work in a group and manage time throughout the three-week project.