Brazilian Portuguese is a fascinating language that has been influenced by various cultures and languages over the centuries. While it may have originated in Portugal, one of the most significant influences on Brazilian Portuguese is the African languages brought over by enslaved Africans during the colonial era. The influence of African languages on Brazilian Portuguese is evident in its lexicon, grammar, syntax, and music.
The Enslavement of Africans in Brazil
During the colonial era, Brazil was one of the largest recipients of enslaved Africans in the world. Between the sixteenth and nineteenth centuries, over four million Africans were brought to Brazil to work on the sugar plantations, mines, and other industries. The enslaved Africans came from different regions of Africa, bringing with them their languages, cultures, and traditions. This led to the development of a unique Afro-Brazilian culture that has had a significant impact on Brazilian Portuguese.
Some of the African languages that have had a significant impact on Brazilian Portuguese include:
- Kimbundu: A Bantu language spoken in Angola.
- Bantu: A group of languages spoken in several African countries, including Angola, Mozambique, and Congo.
- Kikongo: A language spoken in the Congo region.
- Yoruba: A language spoken in Nigeria and other West African countries.
- Congo languages: A group of Bantu languages spoken in Angola, Congo, and other African countries.
Lexicon
The lexicon of Brazilian Portuguese is heavily influenced by African languages. Many words of African origin have made their way into the Brazilian vocabulary. For example, the word “caçula,” meaning the youngest child, is derived from the Kimbundu language spoken in Angola. The word “cafuné,” meaning a gentle stroking of the hair, is derived from the Bantu language spoken in Angola, Mozambique, and other parts of Africa. The word “cachaça,” meaning a type of sugarcane liquor, is derived from the Kikongo language spoken in the Congo region.
Other words of African origin in Brazilian Portuguese include “samba,” “macumba,” “capoeira,” “feijoada,” and “acarajé,” to name just a few. These words have become so entrenched in the Brazilian vocabulary that they are now considered to be part of the language.
Grammar and Syntax
African languages have also had an impact on the grammar and syntax of Brazilian Portuguese. For example, the use of double negation in Brazilian Portuguese, such as “Eu não vi nada” (I didn’t see anything), is thought to have been influenced by African languages. Many African languages use double negation as a way of emphasizing the negative.
Another way in which African languages have influenced the grammar of Brazilian Portuguese is in the use of verbal tense. In many African languages, there is no distinction between past and present tense. This has led to a tendency in Brazilian Portuguese to use the present tense to talk about past events. For example, “Ontem eu chego na festa” (Yesterday I arrived at the party).
Music
The African influence on Brazilian music can be seen in several genres, including samba, capoeira, and maracatu. These genres combine African rhythms and melodies with Brazilian instruments, such as the cavaquinho, pandeiro, and berimbau.
Samba is perhaps the most well-known example of African influence on Brazilian music. It originated in the late 19th century in the favelas (slums) of Rio de Janeiro and quickly spread throughout Brazil. Samba has its roots in the music and dance of African slaves, who would gather together to celebrate and express themselves through music and dance. The rhythm of samba is based on African percussion instruments, such as the surdo, tamborim, and cuíca, which create a pulsing beat that is impossible not to move to.
Capoeira, another musical genre with African roots, is a combination of martial arts, dance, and music. It was developed by African slaves in Brazil as a form of self-defense and a way to preserve their culture. Capoeira music is played on instruments such as the berimbau, pandeiro, and atabaque, and it features call-and-response singing and rhythmic clapping.
Maracatu is a music genre from the northeastern state of Pernambuco that also has African roots. It originated in the 17th century during the colonial period and was influenced by the rhythms of African slaves. Maracatu music is played on a variety of instruments, including the alfaia, agbê, and caixa, and is characterized by its driving rhythm and powerful melodies.
Not confined to particular genres, the impact of African music on Brazilian music is apparent in the rhythms and melodies of various styles such as forró, frevo, and choro. The influence of African music can also be seen in Brazilian popular music, which has produced some of the most famous musicians and songs in the world.
The Rich Cultural Diversity of Brazil
In conclusion, the influence of African languages on Brazilian Portuguese is a testament to the resilience and creativity of the African slaves who were brought to Brazil. Their linguistic and cultural heritage have contributed to the development of a unique Afro-Brazilian culture that is celebrated around the world. The impact of African languages on Brazilian Portuguese, along with African music and dance, speaks to the rich cultural diversity of Brazil and its people.
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Written by Ryan Chindavong
This article really stands out. It is fun to read, and the pictures are amazing.
I had to learn another language when I migrated from Germany to Australia; it was difficult, but it could be done.
I was unaware that Brazil had imported so many African Slaves to work on the sugar plantations, mines, and other industries.
I also did not know that African languages heavily influence the lexicon of Brazilian Portuguese.
As I always say, you are never too old to learn something new daily.
Thanks again for that informative article
Elke
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the article. I’m glad to hear that you found it enjoyable and informative. Learning a new language can definitely be challenging, but as you mentioned, it is certainly possible with dedication and effort.
Indeed, Brazil has a complex history with African slavery, and it has left a lasting impact on the country’s culture, language, and society. It is fascinating to see how different languages and cultures can intersect and influence each other, and how these interactions can shape the way we communicate and express ourselves.