Writer's Corner Writer's Corner: Gláucia Silva: Interview on 97.3 WJFD-FM

Contraponto program series, originally broadcast on 2 April 2023

Gláucia V. Silva is Professor in the Department of Portuguese at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and coauthor (with Denise Santos) of Práticas textuais: Escrita, oralidade e pensamento crítico, published by Tagus Press in 2023. She holds an MA in Linguistics and a PhD in Hispanic Linguistics from the University of Iowa. Her current research addresses various aspects in Portuguese foreign/heritage language learning and teaching, such as production of linguistic features, performance in different language skills, perceptions of learning grammar, and heritage language teacher training. 

Práticas textuais is an advanced-level Portuguese-language textbook that aims to assist students in developing writing competence in a range of textual genres on the basis of reading and critical analysis of authentic texts (literary, journalistic, and others). The textbook also provides the opportunity for a review of typically challenging elements of grammar, such as the contrast between indicative and subjunctive moods and compound verbal tenses. The content is organized around themes of particular relevance for Portuguese language learners (for example, dialects of Portuguese, migrations, and literary expressions) and includes sources drawn from throughout the Portuguese-speaking world. Práticas textuais aims to help learners progress from advanced low to advanced mid, according to the proficiency guidelines used by ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages), or from level B2 to C1, following the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). Accompanying online components include reviews for each lesson, audio files used in the textbook, audio scripts, and answers to textbook activities, as well as teaching suggestions for instructors. 

Práticas textuais is volume 2 of the Portuguese Language Textbook Series, edited by Anna M. Klobucka (UMass Dartmouth).  

To purchase Práticas textuais, please visit the University of Massachusetts Press website. 

Please join host Irene de Amaral and Marguerite Itamar Harrison for a discussion of the novel on WJFD.