Semicolon in disuse? Study on the use of semicolons in contemporary media texts

Abstract

In this work we proposed the investigation of the hypothesis that the semicolon is in disuse in Portuguese language. This hypothesis was raised from the observation of texts written by university students of a course of Letters, in which we noticed this type of punctuation is practically non-existent. Considering this, we seek to investigate, in a newspaper of great circulation, if the hypothesis raised was confirmed. We selected 24 journalistic texts written by 4 columnists, in order to perform a quantitative survey of occurrences of semicolons. Previously, we conducted a bibliographical study to highlight the functions prescribed by normative grammars for the use of semicolons, elaborating a list of these uses. Subsequently, we verified, in the occurrences found, which of the uses enrolled in the grammars occurred more frequently. The data analysis points out that semicolon is not yet in disuse, being productive at least in the communicative sphere investigated. Moreover, it was possible to verify that grammar prescriptions about this type of punctuation are vague and innacurate. With this research, we intend to contribute with the studies about the punctuation, which, in Brazil, are very scarce, providing reflections that can enrich the area and provide material for consultation.