Itajubá Accentuation: Which Word Is The Exception?

Hey guys! Let's dive into a fun little Portuguese language puzzle. This question is all about accentuation rules in the context of Itajubá. The challenge asks us to identify which word should not receive a graphic accent, keeping in mind the specific orthographic rules. So, let's break it down and make sure we get this right. Ready? Let's go!

Understanding the Accentuation Rules

First off, to tackle this question effectively, we need a solid grasp of Portuguese accentuation rules. Accentuation in Portuguese isn't just about making words sound fancy; it's crucial for distinguishing between different words and ensuring correct pronunciation. Misplacing or omitting an accent can completely change the meaning of a word. Think of it like adding that extra oomph where it's needed! In general, Portuguese uses three main types of accents: the acute accent (´), the grave accent (`)—though this one is more about indicating crase (fusion of two vowels)—and the circumflex accent (^). Each has its own set of rules dictating when and where they should be used.

Acute Accent (´)

The acute accent (´) typically indicates an open vowel sound and is used on vowels a, e, and o. It helps to emphasize the stressed syllable in words. For example, the word café (coffee) uses the acute accent to show that the stress falls on the final é and that the vowel sound is open. Similarly, água (water) uses it to mark the stressed syllable and maintain the correct pronunciation. Without the accent, the pronunciation would be off, and the word might be misunderstood.

Grave Accent (`)

The grave accent (`) is primarily used to indicate crase, which is the fusion of two identical vowels, usually the preposition a and the definite article a (or the initial a in demonstrative pronouns like aquele). For instance, à tarde (in the afternoon) shows the fusion of the preposition a and the article a. While it's an important part of Portuguese grammar, it's less about phonetic stress and more about grammatical correctness.

Circumflex Accent (^)

The circumflex accent (^) is used on the vowels a, e, and o to indicate a closed vowel sound. It also denotes the stressed syllable in the word. A classic example is você (you), where the circumflex on the ê tells us that the vowel sound is closed and that this syllable is stressed. Another example is lâmpada (lamp), where the circumflex helps maintain proper pronunciation.

General Rules and Exceptions

Besides these accents, there are general rules for when to accent words based on their final syllables. Words ending in a, e, o, em, and ens are generally accented if they are stressed on the last syllable (oxítonas). Words stressed on the second-to-last syllable (paroxítonas) are generally not accented, unless they end in specific letters like l, n, r, x, i, is, um, uns, ão, ãos, ã, ãs, ps, om, and ons. And then there are proparoxítonas (words stressed on the third-to-last syllable), which are always accented. Of course, there are exceptions to these rules, making it all the more important to pay close attention to each word.

Analyzing the Options

Now that we've refreshed our understanding of Portuguese accentuation, let's apply this knowledge to the options provided: (A) heroi and (B) assembleia. We need to determine which of these words, in the context of Itajubá's orthographic rules, should not receive a graphic accent.

Option A: heroi

The word heroi is the older spelling of herói (hero). Under the current orthographic agreement (Novo Acordo Ortográfico), which aims to standardize spelling across Portuguese-speaking countries, the older form heroi no longer exists. The correct spelling is herói, and it must be accented. The acute accent on the ó indicates that the stress falls on that syllable and ensures the correct pronunciation of the word.

Option B: assembleia

The word assembleia (assembly) is a paroxítona (stressed on the second-to-last syllable). According to the general rules, paroxítonas ending in a, e, o, em, and ens are typically not accented. However, assembleia contains a diphthong (ei) followed by another vowel (a). In such cases, the current orthographic agreement dictates that the accent should be removed. Therefore, assembleia is correctly spelled without an accent.

Conclusion

Considering the orthographic rules and the options provided, the word that should not receive a graphic accent is assembleia. The word herói requires an accent to be correctly spelled according to the current rules. Therefore, the correct answer is (B) assembleia.

So, there you have it! A detailed breakdown of the accentuation rules and how they apply to the words in question. Understanding these nuances can really boost your Portuguese skills and ensure you're communicating effectively. Keep practicing, and you'll become an accentuation ace in no time!