A origem do R caipira no Português do Brasil

Abstract

This dissertation aims to approach the linguistic phenomenon related to the retroflex R, commonly known as R caipira and some hypotheses as to its origin. The caipira R or retroflex is considered by many to be the main distinguishing mark of what we call the caipira dialect which, according to studies by Amaral (1920), corresponds to the linguistic variation present in the interior of São Paulo, notably in the Alto Tietê region. Some authors even point out that the caipira R would be a specific modality of the retroflex R, exclusive to the linguistic variety, found in the interior of Brazil and a distinctive mark of Brazilian Portuguese. According to other authors such as Ribeiro (2016), this phenomenon extends throughout the south of Minas and Mato Grosso, North of Paraná and interior of São Paulo. There are some theories about the origin of retroflex R in the Brazilian territory, however, none of the hypotheses find itself fully proven. Considering that such object of research is closely related to issues of evolution of Brazilian Portuguese itself, a rereading of the history and evolution of the Portuguese language brought by the colonizers, as well as the languages that coexisted with it during the formation of Brazil (indigenous and Africans), if necessary. Thus, based not only but especially on studies by Faraco (2016), Noll (2008), Naro & Scherre (2007), we revisit this evolution as well as present some existing hypotheses so far that try to elucidate the origin of R caipira. It is a phenomenon of significant relevance that is still alive, contrary to the auspices that predicted its extinction.