Demonstratives in Portuguese and Japanese: reflections for second language teaching

Abstract

Demonstratives are fundamental linguistic elements that express spatial, temporal, and perspectival relations based on the intentions of interlocutors in different languages. This article explores the functions and uses of demonstratives in Brazilian Portuguese and Japanese, highlighting their linguistic and cultural differences. Based on a bibliographic analysis, the study compares the trichotomic system of Japanese, structured into KO, SO, and A classes, with the emerging dichotomic system of Brazilian Portuguese, marked by the unification of the demonstratives "este" and "esse." While Portuguese reduces physical and temporal distinctions in favor of functional simplification, Japanese preserves subjective complexity, influenced by cultural values such as politeness and hierarchy. Historical factors, such as the introduction of Western grammar in Japan through rangaku (Dutch studies, which marked the period of openness to European sciences), shaped distinct linguistic concepts. Furthermore, the study examines the persistence of the trichotomic system in Japanese compared to the simplification trend observed in other Latin languages. Finally, the article explores the challenges faced by learners of both languages, emphasizing the impact of cultural and structural particularities on the process of teaching and learning a second language.