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PORTUGUESE meaning and definition

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The Origins of Portuguese: A Language with a Rich History

Portuguese is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, with over 220 million native speakers globally. But where did this language come from? What does "Portuguese" even mean?

To understand the origins of Portuguese, we need to travel back in time to the early Middle Ages. The modern Portuguese language emerged from the Latin dialects spoken by the Roman colonizers who settled in the western part of the Iberian Peninsula (present-day Portugal and parts of Spain). The Roman Empire had conquered this region in the 2nd century BC, and their language, Latin, became the dominant tongue.

Over time, as the Roman Empire declined, the Latin dialects spoken in the western Iberian Peninsula evolved into distinct languages. Two main branches emerged: Romance languages like Spanish, French, Italian, and Portuguese. These languages developed from the Latin spoken by the Romans, with influences from other languages such as Germanic languages (spoken by the Visigoths) and Celtic languages (spoken by the Celts).

The term "Portuguese" comes from the Latin word "Portus," meaning "port" or "harbor." This refers to the city of Porto (also known as Oporto), a major port city in northwest Portugal. In the 11th century, the county of Portucale was established, and over time, its language became known as Portuguese.

The first recorded use of the term "Portuguese" dates back to the 13th century. It referred specifically to the vernacular language spoken in the region around Porto, which differed from the Latin used by the Church and the educated elite. As the County of Portucale grew in power and influence, its language became more prominent, and the term "Portuguese" gained widespread acceptance.

Throughout history, Portuguese has been shaped by various cultural and linguistic influences. The Moors, a Muslim people who conquered much of the Iberian Peninsula in the 8th century, introduced Arabic loanwords into the language. Later, the Age of Discovery (15th-17th centuries) brought Portuguese explorers like Vasco da Gama and Fernão Magalhães, who traveled to Africa, Asia, and the Americas, incorporating new words and expressions into the language.

Today, Portuguese is an official language in Portugal, Brazil, Mozambique, Angola, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde, and São Tomé and Principe. It's also spoken by immigrant communities around the world.

In conclusion, the name "Portuguese" reflects the rich history of this language, which has evolved from Latin dialects to become a distinct language with its own unique characteristics. As we explore the many facets of Portuguese culture and language, it's essential to understand its origins and the people who shaped it over time.

Sources:

  • "The Origins of Portuguese" by John Kinsella (Cambridge University Press)
  • "A History of Portuguese Literature" by Brian Stimpson (Oxford University Press)
  • "Portuguese Language and Culture" by Maria João Mendes ( Routledge)

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