For reasons previously stated, the language or dialect of the German
settlers in Brazil underwent an almost immediate change, not in its
syntax, but in its vocabulary. Had the immigrants and their descendants
only adopted such words as had no equivalent in their mother-tongue, our
case would be much simpler. They went, however, much further, and, as a
result even many of the commonest words dealing with the household or
farm were replaced at an early date by Brazilian Portuguese terms, or by
new formations based on them.
In the following representation of Brazilian German words and phrases an
attempt has been made to select only such as have been adopted by
German-speaking citizens in all parts of the country in question. In the
few cases where words or phrases noted seem characteristic of any
particular section of Brazil that fact is indicated. The glossary,
moreover, makes no claim to completeness.
The sources[123] of the expressions listed are Brazilian German
newspapers, books, almanacs, pamphlets, advertisements, "Festschriften,"
etc.,[124] as well as conversation with colonists. In the latter
instance only such terms as were repeatedly used to the exclusion of the
corresponding German terms were noted.[125]
In the glossary is given first the Brazilian German term (in certain
cases with variations), followed, by way of comparison as well as
definition, by the corresponding High German form. If the Brazilian
Portuguese[126] equivalent differs in form or gender it is given in
parentheses. If no such parenthetical form appears it signifies that
both languages are in the particular instance identical.[127] The German
element in mixed compounds being self-evident, such words are treated as
the simple Brazilian German forms.
Gender is indicated except in the case of masculine nouns ending in
_'-o'_ and feminines ending in _'-a.'_
Terms dealing with weights, measures and coinage have not been noted
except in cases where the Brazilian German form shows a modification of
the original and in instances where the terms refer to units no longer
current.[128]
Special abbreviations:
R. = Rio de Janeiro.
R.G. = Rio Grande do Sul.