Are you curious about learning Portuguese but worried that it might be too hard? Of course, the difficulty that comes with learning a new skill is somewhat subjective. The challenges of learning Portuguese depend on factors like your previous experience, your learning style, and your dedication to learning the skill. In addition, you may have difficulty with memorization, grammar, or pronunciation.
No matter your current schedule or comfort level with Portuguese, there are plenty of tools available to help make learning easier than you might think. Continue reading to learn more about the Portuguese language and the ways to work through the potential difficulties associated with learning Portuguese.
What is Portuguese?
Portuguese is a Romantic language that has roots in Latin. It is similar in structure to the Spanish language and other Romantic languages such as Italian or French. The language is spoken throughout many different countries in Europe, South America, Africa, and Asia. In fact, Portuguese is among one of the most widely spoken languages in the world and, as a result, it is very beneficial to have proficiency in it.Â
Portugal and Brazil are two countries that both have Portuguese as their official language. There are some slight differences between Brazilian Portuguese and traditional Portuguese, but knowing one can help you understand the other. This is similar to Spanish, as the language is spoken in places all across North America, South America, and Europe, but may have differences from region to region or country to country.
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Benefits of Learning Portuguese?
Learning Portuguese can benefit your career for a number of reasons. Many employers prefer employees who have some level of fluency in multiple languages. Employers can use your skills to their advantage when dealing with customers, competitors, and partners. Additionally, if you work in a field where you often see a wide variety of people such as in healthcare or education, it may benefit you to know more than one language. Portuguese is the fifth most spoken language in the world and is therefore a very useful language to know. If you can write that you know the Portuguese language on your resume, this may provide you with an advantage in comparison to someone who only knows one language. Plus, you can become a Portuguese tutor as a side gig.
Learning a new language is an ideal way to connect with other individuals. If you enroll in a course, you can meet others in your class who share a common goal. You can help one another study and practice speaking in Portuguese together. You could also join a number of clubs or organizations where your Portuguese skills may come in handy. For example, many people in Portuguese-speaking countries are soccer fanatics. If you begin to follow Brazilian soccer, you could find others in your community who also support Brazil. This allows you to practice your Portuguese language skills while having fun with others who share your interests.
Plus, learning a new language is a great way to develop your cultural awareness, open your mind, and expand your horizons. By studying a new language and culture, you will grow as an individual. Personal development is essential to becoming a well-rounded individual. This type of growth makes it easier to forge connections with people who seem different from you, have empathy for others, and respect those with different upbringings. You may even have the opportunity to travel to these Portuguese-speaking countries to fully immerse yourself in a different culture.
What Are the Hardest Parts of Learning Portuguese?
Learning Portuguese can be difficult for some. There are many grammatical and structural rules that are very different from the ones you may already know. For example, you will have to learn Portuguese verb tense and conjugations. This may be challenging, but with time and practice, you will soon be able to memorize the conjugations and understand the verb tense. One way to resolve this issue is to practice using flashcards. If you are a visual learner, you could also create a chart that has all the conjugations in the correct spot. Visualizing a chart may help you during a Portuguese conversation Also, it is always beneficial to practice with a classmate or have a friend quiz you on various grammar and structural rules.
In addition, some Portuguese words may be difficult to pronounce. This could be for a number of reasons. Perhaps you have a thick accent in your native language. Or, maybe your native language does not require the sounds or mouth movements that Portuguese requires. Depending on how much experience you have with other languages or similar languages, this issue may apply to you. This is a common issue but one that goes away with time and practice. If you need additional practice, consider asking an instructor or classmate to assist you with pronunciation. You could also write out especially difficult words phonetically if that helps. Overall, pronunciation is something that takes time to master, so do not get discouraged.
Others simply have difficulty memorizing vocabulary words. If you are in the middle of a conversation with a native Portuguese speaker and forget a specific word, it may feel discouraging. First, it is important to remember that people are not as judgmental as you may think, so the chances of them chastising you or making fun of you for forgetting are low. Second, there are ways to mitigate this issue. You could use flashcards as a memorization technique. This option makes it easier for you to work with a partner, classmate, or friend as well since you would be able to quiz one another. Additionally, you could come up with a funny mnemonic device to quickly recall what the translations are.
Why Learning Portuguese is Worthwhile
Learning Portuguese is worthwhile for many reasons, both professionally and personally. Portuguese can open many professional doors for you, whether that is an advancement in your career or a new job offer. In addition, you could also become a part-time Portuguese tutor once you reach a certain level of proficiency. The personal benefits are incredibly worthwhile as well. By learning Portuguese, you can become a more culturally aware individual. This may inspire you to travel to countries where Portuguese is spoken. Plus, learning this language opens the door for new friendships to blossom from joining clubs or enrolling in Portuguese classes.
How to Start Learning Portuguese
There are many ways to start learning Portuguese. You can find many free or low-cost resources online, from a store, or at your local library. These resources are great ways to supplement your Portuguese learning journey but to gain fluency quickly and with ease, it is best to enroll in a Portuguese language class. An in-person or online course is the best way to perfect the Portuguese language. You will be learning alongside other individuals who share your goal, which makes the process more enjoyable. Plus, you will have the assistance of a skilled instructor who can answer any questions you have.
Key Takeaways
Portuguese is a useful language to learn as it is widely spoken across the world. There are many professional and personal reasons to learn Portuguese, despite any of the challenges associated with learning a new language.
- Portuguese is a Romantic language that has grown in popularity throughout the centuries. In fact, it is the fifth most spoken language in the world and is commonly heard in countries like Portugal and Brazil, as well as regions in Africa and Asia.
- There are many professional and personal benefits to learning Portuguese. Employers often seek candidates who have proficiency in multiple languages. In addition, learning a new language helps you explore new cultures, meet new people, and grow as a more well-rounded person.
- There are some difficulties associated with learning Portuguese. In particular, people may experience challenges with memorization, grammar, conjugation, and pronunciation. However, with time and practice, these issues are usually resolved.
- It is an incredibly worthwhile language to study as it is so widely used throughout the world. There are many countries where Portuguese is the official language.
- There are many ways to begin your Portuguese learning journey. As traditional methods are considered best, it is best to start by searching for in-person and online classes. You can do this on CourseHorse. There are also supplemental resources, like a Portuguese dictionary or a mobile app, that can help you practice when you are outside of the classroom.
- While there are many ways to learn about Portuguese, formal training is the best option such as an in-person or online class. If you prefer to learn on your own or with a specific group, there are also private lessons or classes available through CourseHorse. Contact CourseHorse to find options for online or in-person classes, including private group sessions.