Abstract: In his book História do Português, Carlos Alberto Faraco undertakes an exhaustive exploration of the historical evolution of the Portuguese language, traversing the vast expanse from its origins in Vulgar Latin to its modern consolidation.The book has garnered acclaim for its balanced blend of historical and didactic approaches, yet it has also faced criticism for its intricate nature, which necessitates a solid foundation in linguistics.
Keywords: Portuguese language; linguistic evolution; cultural history.
História do Português, published in 2019 by Parabola in São Paulo, is a book organized by Andreia Custodio, Tommaso Raso, Celso Ferrarezi and Telma Custodio, with a review by Thiago Zilio Passerini. The book explores the trajectory of the Portuguese language over the centuries. Through a thorough analysis, the author traces a trajectory that illuminates the evolution of the Portuguese language from its origins in Vulgar Latin to its establishment as a global language.
Carlos Alberto Faraco is a prominent Brazilian linguist, born in Curitiba, Paraná, on May 20, 1950. He subsequently earned his master’s degree in Linguistics from the State University of Campinas (Unicamp) in 1978 and his doctorate in Linguistics from the University of Salford, England, in 1982. Moreover, Faraco conducted post-doctoral research at the University of California from 1995 to 1996. He is currently a retired professor at the Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), where he also served as rector from 1990 to 1994.The book is divided into four chapters that address different historical periods and linguistic phenomena, ranging from the formation of Vulgar Latin to the development of modern Portuguese. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the evolution of the Portuguese language, highlighting the influence of Germanic and Arabic languages. Each chapter is meticulously structured to provide a lucid and succinct account of the events and processes that have shaped Portuguese over the centuries.Faraco and the organizers adopt a historical and comparative approach, integrating linguistic data with socio-cultural contexts, maps, tables, and graphs to illustrate the diffusion and transformations of the language in an engaging and educational manner.Although Portuguese originated from Vulgar Latin, it has been profoundly influenced by a series of historical and cultural factors.
In Chapter I, the author meticulously traces the historical evolution of the Portuguese language, illustrating its role as a reflection of the intricacies and diversities inherent in the society that speaks it.Since its genesis, Portuguese has evolved within a milieu of cultural interactions, influences, and social transformations.Within Portuguese-speaking countries, a plethora of dialectal variations emerge, reflecting local and regional identities within a contradictory society.Despite the common usage of Portuguese among Portuguese-speaking nations, each nation or community speaks the language in its own distinct manner.
The transition from the dynastic state to the nation-state was precipitated by the conceptualization of the monarch as the personification of the state, often regarded as the “father” or “mother” of the populace.In numerous dynastic states, a rich tapestry of languages and dialects was spoken by diverse ethnic and cultural groups. The necessity for a national or official language was rendered moot by the monarch’s role in unifying the populace.The transition from a dynastic state to a nation-state profoundly altered the relationship among authority, citizens, and language.Research has demonstrated that the administration has become more efficient.Official documents, laws, and government communications began to be written in Castilian, facilitating the comprehension and implementation of state policies.The imposition of the Castilian language was not solely an administrative concern, but also a cultural one. The Protestant Reformation witnessed a significant development with the translation of the Bible into vernacular languages, marking a pivotal moment in the valorization of local languages and cultures.Chapter 2 delves into the Constitution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, a crucial landmark in the annals of the dual monarchy that united the kingdoms of Austria and Hungary.
The advent of this constitution was precipitated by the necessity for reforms and the mounting pressure for greater autonomy, ultimately leading to the establishment of the dual monarchy. The empire was inhabited by various nationalities who often felt marginalized by the predominance of German and Hungarian.
The chapter goes on to discuss the diachronic variants that occur in the language over time, including the evolution of words, grammar, and pronunciation.Thus, the Portuguese language has undergone several transformations from Vulgar Latin to the present day, with influences from other languages and the formation of different dialects.
This linguistic hierarchy is characterized by mechanisms that aim to standardize a language within a specific context, thereby promoting the establishment of a shared norm. Consequently, inferiority emerges as a result of this unification process. The objective of linguistic unification is to mitigate regional and social variations, leading to the creation of a standardized form that can be comprehended by all speakers of a language. This homogenizing process can also serve to foster a sense of identity among speakers, uniting them around a shared norm.
Despite the common usage of the Portuguese language across all Portuguese-speaking countries, each nation possesses unique traditions, customs, and histories that collectively shape its distinct identity.For instance, Brazil’s rich cultural tapestry is a culmination of influences from indigenous, African, and European communities. In contrast, Portugal’s cultural identity has been profoundly influenced by its maritime history and the diversity of its regions, each with its own unique traditions.
In Chapter 3, Faraco delves into the origins of the Portuguese language, intricately intertwined with the historical tapestry of the Iberian Peninsula, particularly in the regions that now correspond to Galicia in northern Spain and the north of Portugal.The Portuguese language has its origins in Vulgar Latin, the form of Latin spoken by the general populace during the Roman Empire. Over time, various dialects of Latin emerged in distinct regions, giving rise to the Romance languages.
The expansion of territories resulted in the dissemination of not only the Portuguese language but also its cultural, religious, and social traditions to new regions.The interaction between Christian and Muslim cultures contributed to the evolution of the Portuguese language.
In the nineteenth century, the contributions of philologists were crucial in analyzing and systematizing the Portuguese language. This period was characterized by a surge in interest in linguistics and the history of languages, with numerous philologists devoting their efforts to the study of the origins, evolution, and grammar of Portuguese. These scholars played a pivotal role in establishing linguistic norms and promoting the proper usage of the language.The book illuminates the preeminence of the Portuguese language in Brazil, a historical and socio-cultural phenomenon that has been firmly entrenched over the centuries.
The colonizers instituted Portuguese as the language of administration, religion, and education, thereby laying the foundation for its enduring dominance. The preeminence of Portuguese in Brazil serves as a compelling example of how a language can evolve into a symbol of national and cultural identity over time.
Despite the pervasive use of Portuguese in Brazil, this does not negate the presence of regional variations, which are in fact an integral component of the nation’s cultural diversity.
The terms “biscoito” and “bolacha” are both accurate and acceptable ways to refer to a food item | Fhoto: Pixnio/Educa+Brasil
At the conclusion of the chapter, references are made to the Directory of Indians, a legislative instrument that was implemented to regulate and control the indigenous populations. The objective of this policy was to “civilize” the indigenous communities and assimilate them into colonial society, promoting the dissemination of Christianity and agricultural practices. This initiative also aimed to safeguard the indigenous populations from exploitation by the settlers, leading to an increase in their control and subjugation.
Faraco’s work, while aiming to be didactic, is characterized by its density and complexity, necessitating a prior knowledge of linguistics to be fully appreciated. This may restrict its accessibility to a more limited audience interested in the history of Portuguese, lacking specialized training in the field.In contrast, the book História do Português offers a more comprehensive exploration of the past, providing a synthetic overview of the linguistic evolution. The authors transcend a mere exposition of facts, compelling readers to contemplate the historical and cultural forces that have shaped contemporary Portuguese. This enriches the reading experience, showcasing language as a reflection of society through the ages.
The accessible language in História do Português extends an invitation to individuals eager to understand the inner workings of the language, fostering an exploration of the subject with enthusiasm. The book’s significance extends beyond mere linguistic exposition, offering insights into the cultural and historical underpinnings that have shaped Portuguese over time. It serves as a valuable resource for individuals seeking to deepen their understanding of the cultural identity and linguistic heritage represented by Portuguese, providing a foundation for those interested in exploring its nuances and implications.
The book’s value is particularly evident in undergraduate courses focused on Portuguese, where it serves as a foundational text, providing a comprehensive overview of the language’s historical and social contexts. Faraco’s work encourages critical reflection on the role of language in Brazilian society, allowing students to see Portuguese as a dynamic phenomenon. His contributions extend beyond the academic sphere, offering insights into Brazilian cultural identity and promoting a sense of belonging and pride among speakers by valorizing Portuguese as a rich and diverse heritage.This book is a valuable resource for those interested in understanding linguistic dynamics and the cultural foundations that underpin them, offering a comprehensive perspective on Portuguese as a cultural phenomenon.
Summary of História do Português
1. Sociedade, estado-nação, língua, cultura
2. História da língua portuguesa e suas culturas
3. A língua portuguesa se torna hegemônica no Brasil
FARACO, Carlos Alberto. História do Português. São Paulo: Parábola, 2019. 192p. Reviiew by: SILVA, Mirelle. The vernacular in temporal perspective. Crítica Historiográfica. Natal, v.4, n.18, July/August, 2024. Available in <https://www.criticahistoriografica.com.br/en/the-vernacular-in-temporal-perspective-review-by-mirelle-santos-ufs-of-the-book-historia-do-portugues-by-carlos-alberto-faraco/>.
Abstract: In his book História do Português, Carlos Alberto Faraco undertakes an exhaustive exploration of the historical evolution of the Portuguese language, traversing the vast expanse from its origins in Vulgar Latin to its modern consolidation.The book has garnered acclaim for its balanced blend of historical and didactic approaches, yet it has also faced criticism for its intricate nature, which necessitates a solid foundation in linguistics.
Keywords: Portuguese language; linguistic evolution; cultural history.
História do Português, published in 2019 by Parabola in São Paulo, is a book organized by Andreia Custodio, Tommaso Raso, Celso Ferrarezi and Telma Custodio, with a review by Thiago Zilio Passerini. The book explores the trajectory of the Portuguese language over the centuries. Through a thorough analysis, the author traces a trajectory that illuminates the evolution of the Portuguese language from its origins in Vulgar Latin to its establishment as a global language.
Carlos Alberto Faraco is a prominent Brazilian linguist, born in Curitiba, Paraná, on May 20, 1950. He subsequently earned his master’s degree in Linguistics from the State University of Campinas (Unicamp) in 1978 and his doctorate in Linguistics from the University of Salford, England, in 1982. Moreover, Faraco conducted post-doctoral research at the University of California from 1995 to 1996. He is currently a retired professor at the Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), where he also served as rector from 1990 to 1994.The book is divided into four chapters that address different historical periods and linguistic phenomena, ranging from the formation of Vulgar Latin to the development of modern Portuguese. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the evolution of the Portuguese language, highlighting the influence of Germanic and Arabic languages. Each chapter is meticulously structured to provide a lucid and succinct account of the events and processes that have shaped Portuguese over the centuries.Faraco and the organizers adopt a historical and comparative approach, integrating linguistic data with socio-cultural contexts, maps, tables, and graphs to illustrate the diffusion and transformations of the language in an engaging and educational manner.Although Portuguese originated from Vulgar Latin, it has been profoundly influenced by a series of historical and cultural factors.
In Chapter I, the author meticulously traces the historical evolution of the Portuguese language, illustrating its role as a reflection of the intricacies and diversities inherent in the society that speaks it.Since its genesis, Portuguese has evolved within a milieu of cultural interactions, influences, and social transformations.Within Portuguese-speaking countries, a plethora of dialectal variations emerge, reflecting local and regional identities within a contradictory society.Despite the common usage of Portuguese among Portuguese-speaking nations, each nation or community speaks the language in its own distinct manner.
The transition from the dynastic state to the nation-state was precipitated by the conceptualization of the monarch as the personification of the state, often regarded as the “father” or “mother” of the populace.In numerous dynastic states, a rich tapestry of languages and dialects was spoken by diverse ethnic and cultural groups. The necessity for a national or official language was rendered moot by the monarch’s role in unifying the populace.The transition from a dynastic state to a nation-state profoundly altered the relationship among authority, citizens, and language.Research has demonstrated that the administration has become more efficient.Official documents, laws, and government communications began to be written in Castilian, facilitating the comprehension and implementation of state policies.The imposition of the Castilian language was not solely an administrative concern, but also a cultural one. The Protestant Reformation witnessed a significant development with the translation of the Bible into vernacular languages, marking a pivotal moment in the valorization of local languages and cultures.Chapter 2 delves into the Constitution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, a crucial landmark in the annals of the dual monarchy that united the kingdoms of Austria and Hungary.
The advent of this constitution was precipitated by the necessity for reforms and the mounting pressure for greater autonomy, ultimately leading to the establishment of the dual monarchy. The empire was inhabited by various nationalities who often felt marginalized by the predominance of German and Hungarian.
The chapter goes on to discuss the diachronic variants that occur in the language over time, including the evolution of words, grammar, and pronunciation.Thus, the Portuguese language has undergone several transformations from Vulgar Latin to the present day, with influences from other languages and the formation of different dialects.
This linguistic hierarchy is characterized by mechanisms that aim to standardize a language within a specific context, thereby promoting the establishment of a shared norm. Consequently, inferiority emerges as a result of this unification process. The objective of linguistic unification is to mitigate regional and social variations, leading to the creation of a standardized form that can be comprehended by all speakers of a language. This homogenizing process can also serve to foster a sense of identity among speakers, uniting them around a shared norm.
Despite the common usage of the Portuguese language across all Portuguese-speaking countries, each nation possesses unique traditions, customs, and histories that collectively shape its distinct identity.For instance, Brazil’s rich cultural tapestry is a culmination of influences from indigenous, African, and European communities. In contrast, Portugal’s cultural identity has been profoundly influenced by its maritime history and the diversity of its regions, each with its own unique traditions.
In Chapter 3, Faraco delves into the origins of the Portuguese language, intricately intertwined with the historical tapestry of the Iberian Peninsula, particularly in the regions that now correspond to Galicia in northern Spain and the north of Portugal.The Portuguese language has its origins in Vulgar Latin, the form of Latin spoken by the general populace during the Roman Empire. Over time, various dialects of Latin emerged in distinct regions, giving rise to the Romance languages.
The expansion of territories resulted in the dissemination of not only the Portuguese language but also its cultural, religious, and social traditions to new regions.The interaction between Christian and Muslim cultures contributed to the evolution of the Portuguese language.
In the nineteenth century, the contributions of philologists were crucial in analyzing and systematizing the Portuguese language. This period was characterized by a surge in interest in linguistics and the history of languages, with numerous philologists devoting their efforts to the study of the origins, evolution, and grammar of Portuguese. These scholars played a pivotal role in establishing linguistic norms and promoting the proper usage of the language.The book illuminates the preeminence of the Portuguese language in Brazil, a historical and socio-cultural phenomenon that has been firmly entrenched over the centuries.
The colonizers instituted Portuguese as the language of administration, religion, and education, thereby laying the foundation for its enduring dominance. The preeminence of Portuguese in Brazil serves as a compelling example of how a language can evolve into a symbol of national and cultural identity over time.
Despite the pervasive use of Portuguese in Brazil, this does not negate the presence of regional variations, which are in fact an integral component of the nation’s cultural diversity.
The terms “biscoito” and “bolacha” are both accurate and acceptable ways to refer to a food item | Fhoto: Pixnio/Educa+Brasil
At the conclusion of the chapter, references are made to the Directory of Indians, a legislative instrument that was implemented to regulate and control the indigenous populations. The objective of this policy was to “civilize” the indigenous communities and assimilate them into colonial society, promoting the dissemination of Christianity and agricultural practices. This initiative also aimed to safeguard the indigenous populations from exploitation by the settlers, leading to an increase in their control and subjugation.
Faraco’s work, while aiming to be didactic, is characterized by its density and complexity, necessitating a prior knowledge of linguistics to be fully appreciated. This may restrict its accessibility to a more limited audience interested in the history of Portuguese, lacking specialized training in the field.In contrast, the book História do Português offers a more comprehensive exploration of the past, providing a synthetic overview of the linguistic evolution. The authors transcend a mere exposition of facts, compelling readers to contemplate the historical and cultural forces that have shaped contemporary Portuguese. This enriches the reading experience, showcasing language as a reflection of society through the ages.
The accessible language in História do Português extends an invitation to individuals eager to understand the inner workings of the language, fostering an exploration of the subject with enthusiasm. The book’s significance extends beyond mere linguistic exposition, offering insights into the cultural and historical underpinnings that have shaped Portuguese over time. It serves as a valuable resource for individuals seeking to deepen their understanding of the cultural identity and linguistic heritage represented by Portuguese, providing a foundation for those interested in exploring its nuances and implications.
The book’s value is particularly evident in undergraduate courses focused on Portuguese, where it serves as a foundational text, providing a comprehensive overview of the language’s historical and social contexts. Faraco’s work encourages critical reflection on the role of language in Brazilian society, allowing students to see Portuguese as a dynamic phenomenon. His contributions extend beyond the academic sphere, offering insights into Brazilian cultural identity and promoting a sense of belonging and pride among speakers by valorizing Portuguese as a rich and diverse heritage.This book is a valuable resource for those interested in understanding linguistic dynamics and the cultural foundations that underpin them, offering a comprehensive perspective on Portuguese as a cultural phenomenon.
Summary of História do Português
1. Sociedade, estado-nação, língua, cultura
2. História da língua portuguesa e suas culturas
3. A língua portuguesa se torna hegemônica no Brasil
FARACO, Carlos Alberto. História do Português. São Paulo: Parábola, 2019. 192p. Reviiew by: SILVA, Mirelle. The vernacular in temporal perspective. Crítica Historiográfica. Natal, v.4, n.18, July/August, 2024. Available in <https://www.criticahistoriografica.com.br/en/the-vernacular-in-temporal-perspective-review-by-mirelle-santos-ufs-of-the-book-historia-do-portugues-by-carlos-alberto-faraco/>.
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História do Português, published in 2019 by Parabola in São Paulo, is a book organized by Andreia Custodio, Tommaso Raso, Celso Ferrarezi and Telma Custodio, with a review by Thiago Zilio Passerini. The book explores the trajectory of the Portuguese language over the centuries. Through a thorough analysis, the author traces a trajectory that illuminates the evolution of the Portuguese language from its origins in Vulgar Latin to its establishment as a global language.
Mirelle da Silva has a degree in Letras Português (2024), from the Universidade Federal de Sergipe (UFS). ID LATTES: http://lattes.cnpq.br/9819498570901583; ID ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0001-3359-9238; E-mail: mirellesilva0295@gmail.com.
