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In:Lexical Variation and Knowledge Construction across Historical, Methodological, and Cultural Ecologies
Edited by Rossella Latorraca, Rita Calabrese, Jacqueline Aiello and Dirk Geeraerts
[Terminology and Lexicography Research and Practice 25] 2026
► pp. 57–71

Brazilian indigenous loanwords in Bluteau’s Vocabulario portugues e latino

 | Universidade de Lisboa
 | Universidade de Lisboa
 | Fundação Casa de Rui Barbosa
This content is being prepared for publication; it may be subject to changes.
Abstract
Bluteau’s Vocabulario Portuguez e Latino is a landmark in Portuguese lexicography, particularly for its systematic documentation of lexical variation. This study explores how Bluteau captured the linguistic exchanges between Portuguese and Amerindian languages. Despite some limitations, his pioneering lexicographic approach systematically includes borrowings that reflect the cultural and linguistic diversity of the New World. By analyzing examples of plant and animal names, along with other terms derived from Amerindian languages, we evaluated Bluteau’s methodology and its contribution to documenting a Brazilian identity within the Portuguese lexicon. His detailed entries not only filled significant documentation gaps in the 18th century but also continue to offer valuable insights into linguistic diversity and lexical innovation.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
    • 1.1Portuguese national variants
    • 1.2European Portuguese
    • 1.3Brazilian Portuguese
  • 2.Bluteau’s Vocabulario Portuguez e Latino
    • 2.1Bluteau’s sources for Amerindian loanwords
    • 2.2Bluteau’s lexicographic method
  • 3.Discussion and conclusions
  • Notes
  • References
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