In this article, we will explore some of the difficulties of learning Brazilian Portuguese, as well as some interesting facts and benefits of studying this language.
Brazilian Language: Learning Difficulties, Curiosities, and Benefits
Learning a new language can be challenging, especially when it comes to Portuguese, the official language of Brazil. Portuguese is a Romance language that shares similarities with Spanish, Italian, and French. However, Brazilian Portuguese has its own unique characteristics that can make it a bit tricky to learn.
Difficulties of Learning Brazilian Portuguese
One of the biggest difficulties of learning Brazilian Portuguese is the pronunciation. The language has a variety of nasal sounds, such as ão and õe, which can be challenging for non-native speakers. Additionally, the accent varies greatly from region to region, which can make it difficult to understand native speakers. For example, the accent in Rio de Janeiro is quite different from the accent in São Paulo.
Another difficulty of learning Brazilian Portuguese is the grammar. Portuguese has a complex system of verb conjugations, noun genders, and adjective agreements that can be overwhelming for beginners. It takes time and practice to master the grammar rules and apply them correctly in conversation.
Vocabulary can also be a challenge for non-native speakers. Portuguese has many words that are similar to Spanish, but with different meanings. For example, the word "embarazada" in Spanish means pregnant, but in Portuguese it means embarrassed. Additionally, there are many words in Brazilian Portuguese that are unique to Brazil and not used in other Portuguese-speaking countries.
Curiosities of Brazilian Portuguese
Despite its difficulties, Brazilian Portuguese has many interesting features that make it a fascinating language to learn. One of the most curious aspects of the language is its extensive use of diminutives. Brazilians love to use diminutives to express affection or to make words sound cuter. For example, "café" (coffee) becomes "cafezinho" (little coffee), and "casa" (house) becomes "casinha" (little house).
Another interesting feature of Brazilian Portuguese is the use of the personal infinitive. This is a grammatical construction that expresses a hypothetical action from the perspective of another person. For example, instead of saying "Eu quero que você faça isso" (I want you to do this), Brazilians might say "Eu quero você fazer isso" (I want you to do this from your perspective).
Benefits of Learning Brazilian Portuguese
Despite the difficulties, learning Brazilian Portuguese can be extremely rewarding. Brazil is the fifth-largest country in the world and has a vibrant culture that includes music, dance, food, and art. Learning the language can give you access to this rich cultural heritage and allow you to connect with people from all walks of life.
Additionally, Brazil is a major player in the global economy, with a large and growing market for business opportunities. Knowing Brazilian Portuguese can give you a competitive advantage in industries such as tourism, hospitality, and international trade. It can also open up job opportunities with Brazilian companies or multinational corporations that do business in Brazil.
According with wikipedia about Brazilian Language
"The existence of Portuguese in Brazil is a legacy of the Portuguese colonization of the Americas. The first wave of Portuguese-speaking immigrants settled in Brazil in the 16th century, but the language was not widely used then. For a time Portuguese coexisted with Língua Geral,[10] a lingua franca based on Amerindian languages that was used by the Jesuit missionaries, as well as with various African languages spoken by the millions of slaves brought into the country between the 16th and 19th centuries. By the end of the 18th century, Portuguese had affirmed itself as the national language. Some of the main contributions to that swift change were the expansion of colonization to the Brazilian interior, and the growing numbers of Portuguese settlers, who brought their language and became the most important ethnic group in Brazil.
Beginning in the early 18th century, Portugal's government made efforts to expand the use of Portuguese throughout the colony, particularly because its consolidation in Brazil would help guarantee to Portugal the lands in dispute with Spain (according to various treaties signed in the 18th century, those lands would be ceded to the people who effectively occupied them). Under the administration of the Marquis of Pombal (1750–1777), Brazilians started to favour the use of Portuguese, as the Marquis expelled the Jesuit missionaries (who had taught Língua Geral) and prohibited the use of Nhengatu, or Lingua Franca."
link to the article
Know the Teacher Armando Salles
Hi, I'm a native Brazilian Portuguese teacher with 4 years of teaching experience. As a language lover, I'm passionate about sharing my knowledge and helping students achieve their language goals. My teaching methodology is focused on communication, and I believe that practicing the language in a dynamic and engaging way is the best way to learn. If you're interested in learning Brazilian Portuguese with me, I'd like to invite you to try a free trial lesson. During this lesson, we can discuss your language goals and needs, and you'll get a taste of my teaching style. So, why not give it a try? I'm looking forward to meeting you and helping you on your language learning journey!
Conclusion
Learning Brazilian Portuguese may have its challenges, but the rewards are worth it. By mastering this unique and fascinating language, you can gain access to a rich culture, expand your career opportunities, and connect with people from all over the world. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced learner, there are many resources available to help you improve your skills and achieve fluency. So why not start learning Brazilian Portuguese today?
Commentaires