Pomeranian language in a Brazilian historical course: a (neo) autochthonous variety

Abstract

This paper approaches the Pomeranian language spoken in Espírito Santo as a (neo)autochthonous Brazilian variety, based on its linguistic vitality and continuous use overtime in the region. The discussion develops from the historical and linguistic perspectives, relating concepts related to the language of immigration, territoriality and autochthony. From the studies of Tacke (2015) and Zenker (2011), we propose the recognition of the autochthonousness of this language of immigration and delimit the study to the municipality of Santa Maria de Jetibá, recognized as the most Pomeranian of the state. Initially, we present a socio-historical context of Brazil at the time of immigration and then we discuss the current use of the Pomeranian language in the locus selected for the study. Finally, based on the theoretical support selected, we propose the definition of Brazilian (neo)autochthonous language for the Pomeranian variety in question.

Keywords

• Língua Pomerana
• Autoctonia
• Língua de imigração
• Territorialidade