Contextualization

The world of communication has evolved surprisingly over the past few years, mainly due to the increase in accessible technology and the use of the internet. As a result, various new digital communication genres have emerged, such as blogs, instant messages, tweets, among others. These new communication channels have brought new ways of writing, including word abbreviations, letter and number combinations, the use of pictograms, and graphic symbols.

Current genres are the result of the linguistic evolution process, which adapts according to the needs and characteristics of the community that uses them. Therefore, identifying and understanding these new genres becomes a crucial skill for effective communication in our globalized world. However, it is important to remember that these changes do not invalidate traditional forms of writing, but rather add new mechanisms to our ability to express ourselves.

The objective of this project is to explore and understand the 'Aspects of current genres'. This experience will broaden your linguistic horizons, understand how different communicative genres are formed and evolve, and how these aspects impact our way of communicating. More than that, through this project, you will develop skills that are highly valued in the 21st century, such as teamwork, time management, creative thinking, and problem-solving.

Language is a powerful tool. Changes in its form and use are reflections of our society and culture. The new communication genres are a contemporary example of this. Understanding these new genres and how they are used will not only facilitate your daily interactions but also provide insights into current social and cultural trends.

To deepen your studies on the subject, you can consult the following resources:

• 'Textual genres and the classroom: contributions of sociodiscursive interactionism' by Roxane Rojo. This book provides an in-depth view of the relationship between textual genres and the classroom. Although the focus is oriented towards teachers, the content is also useful for students who wish to have a deeper knowledge of the subject.
• YouTube channel 'Descomplica'. This channel features educational videos on a variety of topics, including Portuguese and English language. You can find explanatory videos on aspects of new text genres.

Practical Activity: Exploring the Aspects of Current Genres

Project Objective

The objective of this project is to analyze the language, structure, and styles employed in different current genres, identifying the impact of new types of communication on our way of expression. The intention is for students, working in groups of 3 to 5 people, to learn to identify and analyze central aspects of different modern textual genres and how these formats affect and reflect our daily lives.

Project Description

Students should choose three different types of current digital genres (examples: blog posts, tweets, instant messages, Instagram posts, etc.) and conduct a detailed analysis of these communication forms.

Firstly, each group should choose real examples of each chosen genre. Next, students will analyze these examples, paying attention to aspects such as language, structure, and style. The groups should then compare the chosen genres, observing which aspects are maintained and which diverge. Finally, the group should reflect on how these genres influence and are influenced by current society.

This project should be carried out over a period of one month.

Necessary Materials

To carry out the project, groups will need:

• Internet access to find and analyze examples of the chosen genres;
• Notebooks and pens to take notes and conclusions;
• Computer or tablet for the preparation of the final report.

Project Step by Step

1. Formation of groups (3 to 5 students);
2. Selection of the three genres to be analyzed;
3. Collection of real examples of each chosen genre;
4. Analysis of the collected examples, focusing on language, structure, and style;
5. Comparison between the chosen genres;
6. Reflection on the influence and impact of these genres on society and vice versa;
7. Preparation of the final report.

Project Deliverables

The final project deliverable will be a written report that must include:

1. Introduction: This section should contextualize the theme of current digital genres, their relevance and application in the real world, and the project's objectives.
2. Development: Here, students should describe the three selected genres, explaining the theory behind each one, detailing the process of collecting examples and analysis, and finally, discussing the observations and conclusions derived from the comparison of genres.
3. Conclusion: In this section, students should reflect on the impact of current genres on society and vice versa. They should also highlight the main learnings obtained throughout the project.
4. Bibliography: Finally, all resources used for the project, such as books, websites, videos, etc., should be listed according to ABNT standards.

Note: The final report must be written in English and have a length of 10 to 15 pages.

Groups will be evaluated not only based on the content of the report but also on teamwork, time management, and the ability to apply theoretical knowledge in the analysis of the chosen genres.