sotaque

Sotaque is a Portuguese word that refers to the distinctive way a person or group of people pronounce words, often indicating their geographic origin or social background. It is essentially an accent. Similar to accents in other languages, a sotaque is characterized by variations in pronunciation, intonation, rhythm, and stress patterns.

Brazil, a country with immense territorial size and diverse historical influences, is known for its wide array of sotaques. Regional differences are pronounced, with the sotaque of Rio de Janeiro, for example, differing noticeably from that of São Paulo, the Northeast, or the South. These variations are not merely phonetic; they can also be associated with specific vocabulary and grammatical constructions.

The term sotaque is widely used in everyday conversation and in linguistic studies to describe these accentual features. It is a neutral term, not typically carrying negative connotations, and is simply a descriptor of linguistic identity. Understanding sotaque is key to appreciating the rich linguistic tapestry of Portuguese-speaking countries, particularly Brazil.