Scenes of an acquisition and learning process of French by a native speaker of Brazilian Portuguese: a case study

Abstract

This article approaches some aspects of the acquisition/learning process of a native speaker of Brazilian Portuguese whose learning of French language took place in the country where this language had its origin, France. Inserted directly in the foreign context, this informant is an example of the complicated process of acquisition/learning of a second language concerning linguistic and sociocultural aspects. By using descriptive analysis of Portuguese (L1) and French (L2), as well as a description of the informant's difficulties, this study is based on the principles advocated by Contrastive Linguistics. The contrast between linguistic and cultural systems is established as a priority, having as a purpose the observation of eventual deviations and barriers, and their classification in accordance with their characteristics. The most relevant aspects of the difficulties experienced by the informant are shown in an attempt to present to teachers and researchers in the area some real situations that surround the acquisition and learning processes of a foreign language.