Portugal's parliament has voted to introduce contentious changes to the Portuguese language in order to spell hundreds of words the Brazilian way. The agreement standardises numerous spellings and adds three letters - k, w and y - to the alphabet. A large majority of lawmakers backed government proposals to phase in the changes during the next six years. But a petition against the move was signed by 33,000 people who argue it is a capitulation to Brazilian influence. Proponents counter the move will make the language more uniform globally, making such things as internet searches and legal documents easier to understand.
Portugal's parliament has voted to introduce contentious changes to the Portuguese language in order to spell hundreds of words the Brazilian way.
The agreement standardises numerous spellings and adds three letters - k, w and y - to the alphabet.
A large majority of lawmakers backed government proposals to phase in the changes during the next six years.
But a petition against the move was signed by 33,000 people who argue it is a capitulation to Brazilian influence.
Proponents counter the move will make the language more uniform globally, making such things as internet searches and legal documents easier to understand.
