Esta proposta de atividade de Língua Inglesa com base no DC/GO – Ampliado e é destinada aos estudantes do 7º Ano do Ensino Fundamental Anos Finais.
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Etymology
Etymology is the study of the origin and history of words, tracing their development over time. It allows us to explore how words have evolved from ancient languages into the forms we recognize today. This journey reveals the stories behind words, often uncovering surprising connections between different languages and cultures. Etymology is more than just the study of words; it’s a way to understand the history of human thought and communication.
For example, the English word “school” has its roots in the Greek word “scholē,” which originally meant “leisure” or “free time.” Over time, it evolved to mean a place where intellectual discussions and learning took place, and today, it refers to institutions of formal education. This shift in meaning tells us about how societies changed their focus from leisure and debate to structured learning environments.
The word “etymology” itself comes from the Greek word “etymon,” which means “true meaning” or “origin.” It combines with the Greek suffix “-logia,” which refers to the study of something, forming the concept of studying the true meaning of words. Through etymology, we can unearth the ancient truths hidden in the words we use daily.
Consider the word “hospital.” It traces back to the Latin word “hospes,” meaning “guest” or “host.” In the Middle Ages, “hospes” evolved to refer to places where travelers or the sick were cared for, eventually leading to the modern term “hospital.” This example shows how etymology not only tracks the linguistic changes in a word but also reflects the societal changes—hospitals, originally places of hospitality, became centers for medical care.
Words evolve as they pass through different languages and cultures. The word “window” comes from the Old Norse “vindauga,” literally meaning “wind eye,” reflecting how people once viewed windows as openings that allowed in the wind. As it entered English, its meaning shifted, but the origins remind us of the practical, descriptive nature of early language.
Etymology helps us understand how languages borrow from each other. For example, many English words come from Latin or French due to historical events like the Roman conquest of Britain and the Norman invasion. The word “government” has Latin roots in “gubernare,” meaning “to steer” or “to guide,” while the word “ballet” comes from the French, which itself borrowed from the Italian word “balletto,” a diminutive of “ballo,” meaning “dance.”
By studying etymology, we gain insight into how cultures interacted and influenced each other over centuries. The word “sugar” illustrates this well: it comes from the Arabic word “sukkar,” which in turn traces back to the Sanskrit word “śarkarā.” The long journey of this word shows how goods like sugar traveled along trade routes and how language evolved alongside commerce.
Through the lens of etymology, we see that words are not static; they adapt, grow, and change with the times, reflecting the dynamic nature of human societies. From the languages of ancient civilizations to the global tongues spoken today, etymology helps us bridge time and space, revealing the deep connections between different cultures.
As we read, speak, and write, every word carries its own history, shaped by the centuries of human experience. Etymology uncovers the stories behind those words, helping us understand not only where they come from, but also the thoughts, practices, and values of the people who used them. In each word’s history, we find the roots of our own linguistic tapestry, woven across time and continents.
Glossary:
Trade – Comércio
Etymology – Etimologia
Origin – Origem
Language – Língua / Linguagem
Evolved – Evoluiu
Speech – Fala
Communication – Comunicação
Borrow – Tomar emprestado
Shift – Mudança
Leisure – Lazer
Reflect – Refletir
Insight – Compreensão
Societies – Sociedades
History – História
Civilizations – Civilizações
Leia o comic strip abaixo sobre etimologia e responda as questões sobre o mesmo:
QUESTION 1
De acordo com Mark, etimologia é
(A) o estudo da gramática e sintaxe das palavras de origem grega.
(B) o estudo de como as palavras são pronunciadas e escritas.
(C) o estudo de onde as palavras vêm e como elas mudam ao longo do tempo.
(D) o estudo das línguas antigas grega e latina da alta sociedade.
QUESTION 2
O exemplo que Alice dá para explicar o conceito de etimologia é
(A) a palavra “escola”.
(B) a palavra “hospital”.
(C) A palavra “balé”.
(D) A palavra “computador”.
QUESTION 3
Você já conhecia algum exemplo, como o que Alice mencionou, em que o significado de uma palavra mudou significativamente ao longo do tempo? Se sim, como isso mudou sua percepção sobre o uso das palavras?
QUESTION 6
Agora que você já sabe que é e viu alguns exemplos de etimologia, pense em cinco palavras de sua preferência e encontre as origens ou a história delas.
| Autoria | Profª. Dra.Sueidy Lourencio |
| Formação | Letras Portuguese/Inglês |
| Componente Curricular | Língua Inglesa |
| Habilidades | (EF07LI03-A) Empregar recursos linguísticos e conhecimentos prévios para compreender e interpretar textos orais sobre eventos históricos. |
| Referências | MAKAR, Barbara W. Primary Phonics. 1. ed. Chicago: Modern Curriculum Press, 2018. KOUSTAFF, Lesley. Oxford Discover. 2. ed. v. 1. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2018. KOUSTAFF, Lesley. Oxford Discover. 2. ed. v. 2. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2018. |