LDLD: Portuguese. Written Language. Capitalization.

ELL Assessment for Linguistic Differences vs. Learning Disabilities

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• Overview

Writing

• Graphemes

• Accentuation

• Capitalization

• Punctuation

• Spelling

• Composition

• Vocabulary

Reading

• Definition

• Special Considerations

• Reading Stages

• Phonemic Awareness

• Phonics

• Fluency

• Vocabulary

• Comprehension

• References

• Assessment Tools

• Main Page

• Assessment

• Spoken Language

• References

Home› Languages› Portuguese› Written Language› Capitalization

Capitalization

Literate Portuguese-speaking students writing in beginning English will often use what they know from written Portuguese when learning to write in English. The following is a comparison of the variations between Portuguese and English capitalization:

Proper Nouns (Names of Persons, Trade Names) and Adjectives
Portuguese	English
Abstract Nouns:Amor; Saudade; Solidariedade; etc., especially when emphasis is given O Amor de mãe	There is no equivalent in English. Common nouns are NOT capitalized.

Days of The Week
Portuguese	English
The days of the week are not capitalized: segunda-feira, domingo	The day of the week are capitalized: Monday, Sunday

Months and Seasons of The Year
Portuguese	English
Seasons of the year are capitalized: Verão, Primavera, Outono, Inverno	Seasons of the year are not capitalized.

Languages, Religions, and Nationalities

Portuguese

English

In Portuguese, the words that designate nationality are usually not capitalized (namely portuguesa, americana) unless they are used as nouns (Portugueses, Açorianos).

Escrevemos os portugueses e os americanos com minúsculas. Igualmente escrevemos o povo português e o americano.

Nationalities: are capitalized: American, Portuguese

Directions and Sections
Portuguese	English
There is no equivalent in Portuguese.	Names of sections of the country but not directions of the compass: Texas is in the Southwest. The wind blew from the northeast.