History and language: the theme of immigration in the pages of the newspaper O Estado (1936-1938)

Abstract

This research analyzes how the theme of immigration was represented in the pages of the newspaper O Estado, published between October 1936 and February 1938. Our main objective is to answer the question that guides this investigation: was the theme of immigration represented in a homogeneous way in this periodical? Our working hypothesis is that some variation exists. We will verify, in the following pages, whether this hypothesis is correct or not. The research methodology adopts a qualitative approach, which uses as a technical procedure the combination of documentary and bibliographic research. Regarding the objective of the study, it has a descriptive and explanatory character; finally, the logical bases of the investigation are guided by hypothetical-deductive reasoning. Having created a project to unify national culture, the Vargas government established strong control over the media and used them to disseminate cultural values ​​of interest to the regime. However, an obstacle appeared to its implementation, since the constant arrival of immigrants in the country made it difficult to consolidate the racial and cultural homogenization of Brazil. This is because newly arrived immigrants brought with them not only their labor force, but also the culture of their country of origin.