A atualidade de Ferdinand de Saussure no ensino de Língua Portuguesa: teoria, prática e reflexão

Abstract

Since the posthumous publication of the Course in General Linguistics (CLG) in 1916, reflecting on Saussurean theory has become a recurring task. This is because the notions and principles of the Saussurean theoretical framework were extremely powerful in granting linguistics a scientific status, establishing it as an autonomous field. In this sense, this study is guided by the hypothesis that, after all these years since Saussure's death, the intellectual production of the Geneva-born linguist remains relevant in addressing empirical questions regarding the functioning of language and its properties in the teaching-learning process of Portuguese. Therefore, we believe that such production is present in Portuguese language teaching through didactic adaptations. In order to think about this hypothesis, we first revisit the concept of language as defined by Saussure in the CGL and its theoretical implications in the field of linguistics. This approach helps us understand how linguistic theory can support the teaching process. In a second step, we examine some questions that reaffirm a particular reading of the Saussurean theoretical framework, which may influence the interpretation and application of the Genevan linguist's ideas in Portuguese language teaching. Next, we refer to the National Curriculum Parameters for High School (PCNEM) and the Common National Curriculum Base (BNCC) to investigate the presence of Saussure's theoretical reflections from the earliest curricular guidelines to current regulations. Finally, based on the National Textbook and Teaching Material Program (PNLD), we selected four Portuguese language textbooks for high school students in public schools, namely: Gramática: Texto, Análise e Construção de Sentido; Ser Protagonista: Língua Portuguesa; Moderna Plus: Linguagens e suas Tecnologias; and Língua Portuguesa: Linguagens e Cultura. The analysis of these materials has shown that there is a network of dialogue between the Course, educational guidelines, and the production of textbooks.