Portuguese is a romantic language that has been around for centuries. As a result, it is incredibly popular and spoken widely all across the world. You may experience some challenges while learning Portuguese such as memorization, conjugation, or pronunciation. It may take some time to learn a new language, especially if you have limited experience studying another language before. Of course, this depends on several factors. Keep reading to learn about how you can learn Portuguese and some resources to help speed the process along.
What is Portuguese?
The Portuguese language is one that is shared amongst many different countries and cultures around the world. In particular, it is the fifth most popular language around the world and is also the root of nearly 20 different Creole languages. Because so many people around the world speak Portuguese, it is an incredibly worthwhile language to learn. There are many variations of Portuguese as well. For example, the Portuguese that is spoken in Portugal may sound different from Brazilian Portuguese.
Traveling to different countries is easier when you know the language. Learning Portuguese may allow you to visit a new country. Portugal is known for its beautiful cities filled with museums, sporting events, delicious food, and exciting nightlife. Similarly, Portugal has many relaxing spots too such as the peaceful countryside or the calming seaside. Perhaps you would prefer to visit Brazil, where you can explore the Amazon, experience delicious cuisine, and view one of the iconic Seven Wonders of the World, Christ the Redeemer. Having experience with the Portuguese language makes these trips easier and more enjoyable.
Benefits of Learning Portuguese?
Many employers hire candidates with fluency in a second language. As Portuguese is such a widely spoken language, it is an advantageous language to learn. If you work in an industry where you are required to interact with a diverse range of individuals such as in healthcare, education, or retail, it may benefit you to have basic conversational skills in Portuguese. Even if you do not use Portuguese in your everyday job, you could potentially become a tutor or instructor when you reach a certain level of fluency.Â
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In addition, learning a new language helps you develop into a well-rounded individual with a high aptitude for cultural awareness. Cultural awareness is a necessary trait to have as it leads to being more respectful of other people, customs, and beliefs. Learning Portuguese could encourage travel opportunities to new places, like Portugal or Brazil, that allow you to explore a part of the world that you have yet to see. Plus, travel immerses you in the language and gives you an opportunity to practice your Portuguese conversation skills.
Plus, you can meet new friends and join new communities by learning a new language. For example, in countries like Portugal and Brazil, soccer is an incredibly popular sport. By learning the Portuguese language, you could start to watch Portuguese or Brazilian soccer to join in on the fun. You can join soccer clubs as well to meet others and share your love for the Brazilian soccer team. Or, if you are more interested in cuisine, consider looking for Portuguese or Brazilian cooking classes. This is a great way to meet others who are interested in the same culture as you. Plus, this gives you a chance to practice your Portuguese language skills.
Average Time It Takes to Learn Portuguese
Like any language, it may take some time to learn Portuguese. Some resources suggest that it takes 600 hours of instruction to learn Portuguese, but everyone learns differently and at a different pace. Many people choose to enroll in traditional methods of education such as in-person or online classes, as they will have the help of an expert instructor to help them along the way. While it may take time to learn a new language, it is ultimately time well spent.
If you choose to learn Portuguese, expect to spend a few months to a year getting familiar with the language. After a year, you may find that you are fairly capable of speaking in basic conversations about travel, work, or shopping. With the help of an instructor, you will be able to pronounce words and conjugate verbs correctly in a real-time conversation as well, so this is an additional benefit that comes with traditional instruction.
Other Factors
There are a few additional factors to consider before learning Portuguese. It is important to know your strengths as well as your weaknesses so you can approach your language-learning journey with the right tools and techniques that fit your learning style.
Prior Experience with Related Languages
If you have experience with languages that are similar in structure to the Portuguese language, this may be advantageous for you. There are a few languages similar to Portuguese, including Spanish, Italian, and French. These languages are categorized as Romantic languages and all derive from Latin, which is why there are so many similarities. In particular, Spanish and Portuguese share the most similarities, so if you are fluent in Spanish or have experience studying Spanish, you may have an advantage while studying Portuguese. However, if you have little to no previous experience, this does not mean you will have trouble learning Portuguese. Regardless of your previous experience, you can learn how to speak Portuguese.
Your Learning Style
In addition, you have to consider your personal learning style while learning a new language. Some people know that they learn best through memorization, writing practices, and exams. However, some people know that they learn best through conversation, lectures, and hands-on experiences. It is important to weigh all your options when enrolling in a class. Some aspects that may impact your learning style include the class size, the class structure, and the class duration. You may want to choose a course that lasts a few weeks or months so you have ample time to learn as much as possible. To learn Portuguese and gain fluency, it is important to play towards your strengths and take classes that benefit you and your learning style.
Your Reason to Learn Portuguese
It is also important to consider why you want to learn Portuguese. If you just want to learn for fun, then you can approach the course with a more relaxed attitude. However, perhaps you want to learn Portuguese for professional reasons such as career advancement or as a requirement. If this is the case, you may approach the course with a more serious tone. Regardless of your reason for learning Portuguese, you must never lose sight of your reason to learn this new language. Keeping this in mind will ensure that you keep up with your classes and continue to learn as much as possible to reach your overall goal of learning Portuguese.
Patience, Confidence, and Dedication
Plus, it is important to have patience, confidence, and dedication while learning Portuguese. It is impossible to learn a new language within a short time, but with patience, you can gain gradual fluency in Portuguese. In addition, do not get frustrated and give up if you feel that you have not learned enough or that you will never gain full fluency. Everyone learns at a different pace, so do not compare yourself to others. Remain confident in your intelligence and abilities. Plus, there are so many words, rules, and structural concepts to learn, so you must remain dedicated to learning the language. With patience, confidence, and dedication, you will also be able to speak conversational Portuguese with ease.
What to Know Before Learning PortugueseÂ
Learning Portuguese may have its challenges, but it is not impossible. Plus, the level of difficulty depends on a few factors that are specific to each person. For example, some experience difficulty pronouncing words. If you experience this, you may want to dedicate extra time to practicing pronunciation and ask your instructor for extra assistance. On the other hand, some people have more trouble with grammar and verb conjugation. These are all common and reasonable challenges to encounter. However, it is important to remember that the difficulty level will differ from person to person because everyone has a different learning style. It is important to consider this so you can enroll in the best classes for your learning style.
Anyone can learn a new language at any time, so there are no specific prerequisites to learn Portuguese. However, having previous experience in other languages may make learning Portuguese easier for you. For example, if you have experience learning Spanish, that may make learning Portuguese easier. Because the two languages are similar in structure and sound, this may serve as an advantage. Regardless of your previous experience, it is still entirely possible to learn a new language, so do not let that deter you from achieving your language-learning goals.
The cost of learning Portuguese is another factor to consider before enrolling in a class. Traditional courses at a university or community college are likely the most expensive option. However, there are many courses offered online and in-person who are lower cost and just as effective. In addition, there may be course materials that you need to purchase. Many in-person classes offered on CourseHorse provide materials for students. If this is not the case, class materials can easily be obtained online or from a local seller. Online courses may require you to purchase your own materials, but the instructor will provide you with a comprehensive list of supplies. These course materials may differ from class to class, but you can generally expect to need note-taking materials, a folder for papers, a laptop or computer, and a textbook.
Can I Learn Portuguese for Free / on My Own?
There are a few ways to learn basic Portuguese for free on your own. You could find resources online such as blogs, videos, or flashcards. There are also mobile applications you could download that are generally free of charge. These are great supplemental resources, but to obtain fluency in Portuguese, it is best to enroll in an in-person or online course that is taught by a skilled instructor. In essence, while it is possible to pick up basic Portuguese for free or on your own, it is not as effective as traditional methods of education. With an instructor present to answer your questions and help with challenges, you will gain fluency quickly and with ease.
Key Takeaways
The main takeaway from learning Portuguese is that it is a worthwhile and fascinating skill to study and practice in your daily life. There are ample benefits to learning the Portuguese language, both personal and professional, that you, too, can benefit from.
- Portuguese is an increasingly popular language that is spoken all around the world. It is similar in structure to Spanish or Italian as they are all categorized as Romantic languages.
- There are personal and professional benefits associated with learning Portuguese. For example, you could advance in your career by knowing a second language. In addition, you gain a higher cultural awareness by learning a new language and you can meet new friends in your Portuguese classes.
- Some research suggests that it may take 600 hours of instruction to learn Portuguese. While it may take months or years to learn the fundamentals of Portuguese, it is ultimately a worthwhile way to spend your time.
- Other factors to consider before learning Portuguese are your previous experience, learning style, and reason to learn Portuguese.Â
- Some things you should consider before enrolling in a Portuguese language class are the level of difficulty you typically experience when learning a new skill, the cost, and any prerequisites you may need before the course.Â
- While there are ways to learn Portuguese for free, it is in your best interest to enroll in an in-person or online course that is led by a skilled instructor.
- 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.