New Spelling of the Portuguese Language: A Comprehensive Guide to the Revised Orthography

Introduction

The Portuguese language is a beautiful and expressive language, spoken by over 200 million people worldwide. However, its spelling has long been a source of confusion and frustration, with many complex and inconsistent rules. In 2009, the Portuguese Language Orthographic Agreement was signed, introducing a number of significant changes to the spelling of Portuguese. These changes were designed to simplify the language, make it more consistent, and bring it in line with modern pronunciation.

What's New in the New Spelling?

The most significant change in the new spelling is the elimination of the silent "h" in many words. For example, the word "alho" (garlic) is now spelled "alho". This change will make it easier for learners of Portuguese to spell words correctly, and it will also help to reduce confusion between words that are pronounced the same but spelled differently.

Another important change is the introduction of a new accent mark, called the "crase". The crase is used to indicate the contraction of two vowels, such as "a" and "o" in the word "à" (to the). This change will help to clarify the pronunciation of words and make them easier to read.

Benefits of the New Spelling

The new spelling of Portuguese offers a number of benefits, including:

• Simplicity: The new spelling is simpler and more consistent than the old spelling, making it easier for learners to master.
• Clarity: The new spelling helps to clarify the pronunciation of words, making them easier to read and understand.
• Modernization: The new spelling brings Portuguese in line with modern pronunciation, making it more relevant and accessible to contemporary speakers.

Conclusion

The new spelling of Portuguese is a positive and necessary change that will benefit learners and speakers of the language alike. By simplifying the spelling, clarifying the pronunciation, and modernizing the language, the new spelling will help to ensure that Portuguese remains a vibrant and relevant language for generations to come.

How to Get the New Spelling Book

The new spelling book, "New Spelling of the Portuguese Language" by Sérgio Nogueira, is now available for purchase. This comprehensive guide provides a detailed explanation of the new spelling rules, along with examples and exercises to help you practice. Order your copy today and start learning the new spelling of Portuguese!