| Abstract Title | Demystifying Brazilian Portuguese Lyric Diction: the Sounds of the Language and the Main Pitfalls for Non-native Singers |
|---|---|
| Submission Category | Voice Pedagogy |
| Presentation Type | Workshop |
| Willing to Present as Poster? | Yes |
| Abstract | Brazil possesses a diverse and rich vocal music culture. Nevertheless, much of its repertoire remains unfamiliar to audiences beyond the works of renowned composers such as Heitor Villa Lobos, Jayme Ovalle, and Ernani Braga. This lack of familiarity can be attributed, in part, to the idea that singing in Portuguese is challenging. While audiences are captivated by the music, they may feel intimidated by the language. This interactive workshop comprises an overview of the Brazilian Portuguese language and diction, focusing on its unique sounds and challenges encountered by non-native singers. One of the main challenges is the use of epenthetic vowels [I] and [U]. Brazilians incorporate additional vowel sounds into words, which can be confusing for non-native speakers. These extra sounds, although not written in, alter the pronunciation of words. The presentation will include illustrations and explanations of BP sounds, suggestions for pronunciation, and a brief discussion of the main challenges. Attendees will be invited and encouraged to actively participate in interactive exercises, allowing them to practice and familiarize themselves with various sounds. Singing is communicating, and words are essential in songs and arias. This introductory guide is a valuable tool to master the diction, improve interpretation, and connect with audiences. The main objective is to demystify the idea of an unapproachable language, making it more accessible to anyone interested in exploring the diverse Brazilian repertoire. |
| First Name | Juliana |
| Last Name | Franco |
