Portuguese is among one of the most widely spoken languages in the world and, as a result, is an incredibly worthwhile language to learn for both personal and professional reasons. Learning the Portuguese language can help you advance in your career, meet new people, or simply improve your personal development. Here, you’ll learn more about the ways that you can benefit from Portuguese and how it can enhance your life. Regardless of your overall goals, learning Portuguese can be a valuable and impressive skill to learn.
What is Portuguese?
Portuguese is a beautiful language that is commonly heard in places all around the world. In particular, Portuguese ranks among the top five most widely-spoken languages and is the official language of many countries. The Portuguese language has roots in Latin and is a Romantic language, much like Spanish, French, or Italian. Many romantic languages have similar-sounding words, phrases, and conjugations that make it easier to learn one if you know the other. In particular, Portuguese and Spanish are very similar in structure and sound. As a result, Portuguese is an incredibly useful language to know.
Interestingly enough, studies show that only a tiny percentage of individuals who speak Portuguese actually live in Portugal. In reality, there are nine countries that boast Portuguese as the official language, including Brazil, which has an incredibly large population. There are also places in Africa and Asia that commonly speak Portuguese as well. With the language being used all across the world, you are likely to run into someone else who is fluent in the language or who has basic Portuguese speaking skills. Because the language spans so many regions, it is heavily ingrained in a wide diversity of cultures.
Benefits of Learning Portuguese?
There are many professional benefits associated with learning the Portuguese language. This is due to the increase in Portuguese-speaking individuals in the country and around the world, but also because it is a versatile language. By adding Portuguese to your resume, your employer can utilize your skill to expand the business or better assist customers. If you work in the medical industry, learning a second language such as Portuguese is also a highly sought-after skill. You never know when you may have a patient who speaks Portuguese. As there are many potential career advancements when you learn Portuguese, you should consider learning the language.Â
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Plus, you can expand your social circle and pick up a few new hobbies by learning Portuguese. If you enroll in a Portuguese course, you can meet new friends who also share a desire to learn a new language. In addition, it is possible to find new hobbies through learning Portuguese. For example, soccer is a very popular sport all around the world, including Portugal and Brazil. You could potentially join a soccer club or a fan club of various Portuguese soccer teams and players. Of course, if you prefer other hobbies, you could learn more about Portuguese cuisine through a cooking class. Grab a few friends who also want to learn Portuguese to not only practice the language but to explore various cultures and aspects of the Portuguese language.
You also develop a greater sense of cultural awareness by learning a new language. There are many different countries where Portuguese is spoken, and as a result, various cultures are associated with the language. Learning Portuguese can spark interest in learning about some of these areas such as Portugal, Brazil, or Mozambique. You may even travel to some of these places to truly immerse yourself in the culture and have a new and exciting experience. Plus, this is a great opportunity to practice the language. If anything, learning a new language helps you connect with others from all around the world, which is truly invaluable.
Professional Advancement
Knowing how to speak Portuguese, with any degree of fluency, is a skill that many employers may look for when hiring new candidates. This includes but is not limited to those who work in education, the medical field, the restaurant industry, the entertainment business, and more. With the right training, it may be easier to learn and therefore use in the work environment. Once you reach a certain level of competency in Portuguese, you can continue to strengthen your skills with additional courses. The Portuguese 2 Fundamentals Private course is an ideal way to do so, as the course focuses on conversational Portuguese as opposed to strictly grammar or vocabulary. For instance, you will learn how to discuss common ailments with a doctor or how to conversate with a bartender. These scenarios are common for anyone but are especially useful if you are in a career where you often find yourself speaking with people who speak different languages.
Join New Communities
There are many opportunities to join new communities while learning a new language. By learning Portuguese, you are also learning more about the culture and the interests of those who live in places where Portuguese is commonly spoken. There are many clubs, cooking classes, sports, dances, and more that you can learn more about and become a part of as a result of learning the language. For example, the Latin Dance (Cha, Samba, Rumba) class is a great way to meet new people and immerse yourself in the culture. This class is offered by You Can Dance Studio in Hermosa Beach, California, and presents a mix of Bachata and Salsa. These dance styles are incredibly popular in Latin America, where there are many native Portuguese speakers. By learning about new dance styles, you also learn more about the culture and those who are a part of it.
Another dance style that is common in Latin America, including Brazil, is Bachata. If you take the Latin Dance (Cha, Samba, Rumba) course and enjoy it, consider enrolling in the Sensual Bachata course at the Dance Center Chicago on the North Side as well. Although Bachata originates in the Dominican Republic, it has spread throughout Latin America and has many variations. This class provides an inclusive and welcoming environment for you to learn in, so you will feel comfortable with the poses, moves, and dips that are a part of this dance style.
Cultural Awareness
Of course, one of the best ways to learn more about a new culture is to learn the language. When you learn a new language, you get insight into how people in different countries and communities live. By getting in touch with other parts of the world, you are expanding your horizons and cultural awareness. This, in turn, helps you connect with other people, become more tolerant, and can spark an interest in travel. Consider enrolling in the Warm Climate Wines of the World to learn more about wines in Portugal as well as other nearby countries such as Italy and France. This course is a great way to learn more about a region while having fun and enjoying a nice drink. You may find yourself traveling throughout Portugal one day and will know exactly what type of wine to order at a restaurant.
There are so many ways to familiarize yourself with a new culture. A great way to learn is by exploring the art of that region. In the Fine Art Photography Portfolio D: Online course, students will view and appreciate photography from 19th-century Latin America. This period exhibited a thriving and spirited art movement that will give you insight into both art and culture. In particular, you will have the chance to enjoy work from Sebastian Salgado from Brazil as well as many other Latin American artists. Your instructor will guide you through the course as you work on analyzing themes, identifying techniques, and exploring the historical context of each piece.
Can Improve Brain Function
Some studies show how learning a new language can positively benefit your brain function and memory. Learning a new language such as Portuguese, can cause structural changes in the brain that will help you in all aspects of life. For example, if you sign up for the Portuguese Total Beginner course, you will begin with the basics such as vocabulary and grammar. This course increases your grasp of verbal communication by allowing you to practice simple conversations and interact with others who are also attempting to learn Portuguese. The primary focus of this class is communication and interaction, so you are bound to see improvements.
Personal Development
On top of all these wonderful benefits, the most notable is the personal development that comes with learning a new language. Overall, language acquisition helps you learn more about your likes, interests, and desires. Courses such as the Portuguese Fast Track help you quickly learn the basics of the Portuguese language in eight weeks. This course is designed for those with little to no experience with Portuguese, but can also be a great course for those who have experience learning Spanish, Italian, or French. Like any new skill, the end goal is to learn fully, fulfill a purpose, and grow as an individual – learning Portuguese is no different.
How to Start Learning Portuguese
There are many ways to start learning Portuguese, but traditional methods of learning are considered the most effective for quick and easy language acquisition. There are many classes offered on CourseHorse that take place all across the country or online that provide an interactive and comprehensive learning experience. These widely accessible courses are designed to fit your needs, so you are more likely to find a course that suits your learning style and schedule. A knowledgeable instructor will assist you every step of the way and you will have classmates to lean on for support. Plus, in-person courses often provide materials for you, so you just need to come prepared to learn.Â
For instance, consider the Portuguese Intro Crash Course if you would like to get started learning Brazilian Portuguese for the first time. In this course, you will learn commonly used words and phrases that help you get a feel for the language. Specifically, this course is ideal for anyone who will soon travel to Brazil or another place where Brazilian Portuguese is spoken. You will learn phrases that are used during travel, more about the culture, and potential difficulties with the language. Similarly, the Portuguese Level 1 course is perfect for those either new to Portuguese or who are trying to learn again after taking time off from learning. This course is interactive and intimate, so you will practice conversation with your classmates and focus on the correct pronunciation of words. This is beneficial as the instructor can provide feedback in real time and answer any questions you may have.
Perhaps a large class setting doesn’t feel like something you would benefit from. If you are interested in one-on-one classes, consider enrolling in Private Portuguese Lessons instead. These private lessons are still interactive and hands-on, so you are sure to learn quickly and easily. You will also have the help of an experienced Portuguese instructor who will customize lessons for your benefit. Your instructor will help you improve your pronunciation skills so you leave feeling more capable of communicating in Portuguese. Plus, these lessons can occur at your home, online, or in the Manhattan ABC Languages office, so your learning options are versatile.
Key Takeaways
Learning a new skill is always worthwhile, but learning a new language is especially beneficial. Portuguese in particular is a great language to learn for several reasons.
- Portuguese is a popular language that derives from Latin and is spoken throughout the world. It is particularly common in parts of Europe, South America, and Africa.
- There are ample reasons to learn a new language. Portuguese is the fifth most spoken language in the world and is only increasing in popularity.
- Specific benefits include career advancement, increased cultural awareness, personal development and growth, and improved cognitive function.
- There are many ways to start learning a new language. For example, you can learn from self-help books or mobile applications that are designed to help you learn. However, you will not have the guidance of a skilled instructor in the event you have questions or encounter any issues.
- 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.