Contextualization

The structure of words is an important and extensive topic in Portuguese grammar. Far more than a set of letters, a word has its own structure, rich in particularities, which gives it meaning and function in our sentences.

Within this structure, we find elements such as: root, thematic vowel, theme, desinences, affixes, and linking vowel/consonant. They allow us to identify the meaning, grammatical class, gender, number, tense and verbal mode of words, thus allowing a deeper understanding of the meaning of words and their possible uses.

Here, we will delve into these concepts, understand the relationship between them and explore their importance for the formation and understanding of words and sentences in Portuguese. You will divide into groups to deepen your research, learn, analyze and debate this fascinating and complex topic.

At the same time, our adventure through the world of word structure is not exclusively linguistic. It also crosses disciplinary boundaries, entering literary territory. Writers, poets and playwrights are masters in exploring the possible meanings, tones and rhythms through the manipulation of word structures. Thus, in this project, we will also explore the use of word structure concepts in literature.

To help deepen the theme, here are some reliable sources:

• Book "Portuguese Grammar" by Graça Rio-Torto and Maria Helena Mira Mateus.
• Professor Noslen: YouTube channel with light and relaxed content on grammar.
• Portuguese Language Workshop: Verbal conjugation, writing tips, grammar and literature.

Practical Activity

Activity Title: "Exploring the Architecture of Words"

Project Goal

The goal of this project is to deepen students' knowledge of the structure of words in Portuguese and its application in literature, providing a broader and more comprehensive view of the theoretical concepts learned in the classroom.

Detailed Description of the Project

In this activity, students will be divided into groups of 3 to 5 members and each group will be responsible for exploring the structure of words in a literary text of their choice. The goal is to identify and analyze how the author makes use of the different parts of the word structure (root, thematic vowel, theme, inflections, affixes, and linking vowel/consonant) to create meaning and rhythm in the text.

Necessary materials

• Literature book (group's choice)
• Notebook and pen for notes
• Computer with internet access for research and preparation of the final report

Detailed step-by-step to perform the activity

1. Book Selection: Each group must choose a Brazilian literature book for the basis of the research. It can be a novel, a collection of short stories or poems.

2. Reading and Analysis of the Book: The group members should read and analyze the book, looking for examples of the use of the parts of the word structure.

3. Research and Study: After reading, the group should research the author and the historical and literary context of the work. They should also deepen their study on the grammatical themes of the project: root, thematic vowel, theme, inflections, affixes and linking vowel/consonant.

4. Group Discussion: The group should meet to discuss their findings, share ideas and arguments.

5. Report Preparation: Finally, the group should prepare a report following the structure: Introduction (presentation of the book, author and historical-literary context), Development (exposition and analysis of the examples found in the book), Conclusions (critical reflection on the findings and lessons learned) and Bibliography (bibliographic references consulted).

Project Deliverables

The group must present two final products: an oral presentation and a written report.

Oral presentation: Each group must make an oral presentation to the class, where they will share their findings on the use of word structure in the chosen literary work. The presentation should be carefully prepared, to be clear and engaging.

Written report: In addition to the presentation, each group must also prepare a written report, detailing the research and analysis process carried out. The report should follow the proposed structure (Introduction, Development, Conclusions and Bibliography) and should complement the oral presentation, offering a more detailed and reflective overview of the work carried out.

The written report, in addition to presenting the research results, should also demonstrate the understanding acquired by the students about the structure of words and its application in literature, highlighting the students' ability to critically analyze and interpret texts of diverse semiosis.