When it comes to language, debates often take place. And expressions such as: “So and so speaks everything wrong”, “We can't use slang”, “Which region of Brazil speaks the most correct Portuguese” is no less common? In order to eliminate these doubts, we will analyze some concepts below.
Every language has its code (a set of agreed signs) and it is essential that the interlocutors share it, so that communication can take place. For example, Brazilians have a habit of greeting by shaking hands with each other. For us, this is normal and doesn't cause any strangeness. However, Asian does not share this code. For them, the greeting happens by leaning forward slightly. Therefore, there will be communication problems between a Brazilian and an Asian when both do not know each other's code.
In addition to the code of signs, there is the one formed by words and combinatorial laws, the Language. In our case, we use the Portuguese language. The combinatorial laws come to us spontaneously, for example, “broke chair o boy” is a totally atypical construction and everyone knows it doesn't make sense. Why do we know this? By virtue of combinatorial laws. Using them, the statement will start to make sense: “The boy broke the chair”.
Whenever we use language, we aim to communicate, however, it is important to understand that language does not only convey our ideas, but conveys various information about us.
Language is also a social factor, through which it is possible to know the region of origin, the “tribe”, level of education etc.
Given this, what can be done to use the language in favor and not against the speaker? It is important to understand that the concept of right and wrong must be replaced by adequate and inadequate. So, when choosing the variant, it is necessary to ask if it is suitable for the interlocutor, the communication situation, etc. Trying to clarify this issue, imagine the following situation: At noon, someone appears on the beach with a beautiful long dress, black, with some embroidery, high heels, well done makeup and a hairstyle done in the best salon in the City. As soon as she arrives, people are surprised and start to comment, some laugh, others lower their heads...
Is there a problem with the character's clothing or accessories? Do not. So why do people start laughing, wondering, trying to understand? For the location, isn't it? In general, to go to the beach there are some conventions that indicate what is suitable or not. In this case, the clothing is not suitable for the location. So the problem is not the clothing, but where it was used.
Now imagine another situation: A young man in love decides to send a note to his girlfriend and writes:
“Dearest Miss:
I come through this to express all my love to you. I humbly ask you to receive these flowers as a sign of my appreciation and admiration.
I say goodbye,
Graciously,
Your beloved."
Is there a problem with the ticket sent by the boy? No, it even demonstrates great knowledge of standard language. But why does it generate strangeness? The degree of formality of the ticket and the type of relationship between the interlocutors, right? What are these examples intended to show? The importance of adapting the language to the context. We realized that even using the standard language, the text could be inappropriate.
Just as for each occasion we must choose an outfit, for each context we must choose a language. Given this, there is no region that speaks more correctly than another, nor is there a ban on the use of slang. However, it is necessary to understand that there are contexts that will require a greater or lesser degree of formality. So, for language to be used in favor of the speaker, it is necessary to adapt.
By Mayra Pavan
Graduated in Letters
