Contextualization

Language and linguistics are fundamental elements in our lives that define us as a society. Language is the resource that allows us to communicate, express our thoughts, emotions, and interact with others, whether through speech, writing, or gestures. Language, on the other hand, can be understood as a system of conventional signs that a particular community uses to communicate.

The concept of linguistic varieties comprises the various forms in which a language can be used. Each speaker uses the language according to the social group to which they belong, their geographical region, their age group, their level of education, among other factors. Linguistic varieties are reflections of the cultural diversity of a people and, therefore, should be valued and respected.

Language, linguistics, and linguistic varieties are subjects that arouse curiosity and allow for a multitude of studies and discussions. After all, it is through language that we can transmit our culture, traditions, and stories. It is through language that we connect with others and express our identity. And it is in linguistic varieties that we can perceive the diversity and richness of our people.

Learning about language, linguistics, and linguistic varieties is not only a way to improve our communication but also a way to better understand who we are and how we relate to others. Knowing our language and its variations will allow us to value it and use it more efficiently and respectfully, as well as contribute to the appreciation of our culture and identity.

To deepen your knowledge on this topic, I suggest the following reliable sources:

• The book "Linguistic Prejudice: What it is, how it is done", by Marcos Bagno, which discusses the issue of linguistic varieties and the discrimination suffered by some speakers due to the use of a variety considered "non-standard". Available in some libraries and bookstores.
• The website of the Museum of the Portuguese Language, which has various resources on the Portuguese language, including virtual exhibitions. Available at: http://www.museudalinguaportuguesa.org.br/
• The article "Linguistic Variability: One theme, several perspectives", available on the website of the Scientific Electronic Library Online (Scielo), which deals with the importance of studying linguistic varieties. Available at: https://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?pid=S0102-44502008000300002&script=sci_arttext

Practical Activity

Activity Title: "Exploring Linguistic Varieties"

Project Objective

Allow students to recognize the differences and values of linguistic varieties present in their community and in Brazil, as well as to understand how language and linguistics are present in their daily lives.

Project Description

Each group, composed of 3 to 5 students, must choose a specific type of linguistic variety to investigate. This choice can be based on regionality, social group, age group, or other aspects that students consider relevant. After selecting the variety, the group must conduct research on it, collecting practical examples (can be in texts, music, interviews, videos, etc.), and will analyze the peculiarities of this variety, such as pronunciations, words, and unique idiomatic expressions.

Required Materials

1. Computer with Internet access
2. Notebook for notes
3. Presentation software (PowerPoint, Google Slides, etc.)

Step by Step

1. Definition of linguistic variety: In this stage, students must choose the linguistic variety they will investigate as a team. They should discuss and reach a consensus on the choice, taking into account the interests and knowledge of each group member.

2. Research: Students must use various resources to collect information and examples of the chosen linguistic variety. We suggest that they search on reliable websites, books, academic articles, videos, music, movies, etc.

3. Analysis: After collecting the data, students must analyze the information and examples found. They should identify the unique characteristics of the chosen linguistic variety, as well as the contexts in which it is used.

4. Report Elaboration: Students must prepare a detailed report of all project stages, including: introduction (with the relevance and objective of the project), development (explaining the theory and activity carried out), conclusions, and bibliography used.

5. Presentation: Finally, students must prepare a presentation to share their findings with the class. They can use presentation software to organize their presentation and should be prepared to answer questions and discuss their findings with the class.

Project Deliverables

Students must deliver the report and the presentation. The report should contain all the collected information, the analysis performed, and the conclusions drawn. In the presentation, students should present their findings clearly and creatively, respecting the rules of the standard Portuguese language. It is important that the report and the presentation are aligned, as one complements the other.

Regarding the report, students must follow a clear structure: the introduction should contain the contextualization of the theme, the relevance of the project, and the objectives; the development should include the studied theory and detail the research stages carried out, the analysis, and the discussion of the results; the conclusions should reflect on the learning obtained during the project; and the bibliography should list all sources used.