Studies in Portuguese Language Phonetics: A Comprehensive Guide to the Sounds of Portuguese

Introduction

In "Studies in Portuguese Language Phonetics," renowned linguist Regina Célia Pagliuchi da Silveira presents a comprehensive and accessible exploration of the sounds of Portuguese. This book is an essential resource for students, scholars, and language enthusiasts alike, offering a deep dive into the phonetic characteristics of this beautiful and widely spoken language.

Phonetic Analysis and Description

Silveira begins by introducing the fundamental concepts of phonetics, providing a solid foundation for understanding the subsequent chapters. She then delves into a detailed analysis of Portuguese phonemes, including vowels, consonants, and prosody. Each phoneme is meticulously described in terms of its articulatory features, acoustic properties, and distribution within the language.

Phonological Processes

The book also explores the phonological processes that shape the pronunciation of Portuguese words and sentences. Silveira discusses topics such as assimilation, dissimilation, elision, and liaison, demonstrating how these processes affect the phonetic realization of speech.

Dialectal Variation

Recognizing the rich diversity of Portuguese dialects, Silveira dedicates a section of the book to examining the phonetic differences among various regions of Brazil and Portugal. She provides detailed accounts of the distinctive features of each dialect, highlighting the unique pronunciation patterns and intonation contours that characterize them.

Applications in Language Teaching and Speech Therapy

"Studies in Portuguese Language Phonetics" is not merely a theoretical exploration of phonetics. Silveira also explores the practical applications of phonetics in language teaching and speech therapy. She offers valuable insights into how phonetic knowledge can enhance language learning and improve speech production in individuals with speech disorders.

Conclusion

"Studies in Portuguese Language Phonetics" is a must-have resource for anyone interested in the sounds of Portuguese. With its comprehensive coverage of phonetic analysis, phonological processes, dialectal variation, and practical applications, this book provides a wealth of knowledge and insights that will benefit students, scholars, and language professionals alike.

Key Features:

• Comprehensive analysis of Portuguese phonemes, including vowels, consonants, and prosody
• In-depth exploration of phonological processes that shape Portuguese pronunciation
• Detailed examination of dialectal variation across Brazil and Portugal
• Practical applications of phonetics in language teaching and speech therapy
• Clear and accessible writing style, suitable for readers of all levels