How to Learn Brazilian Portuguese

Unfortunately, most American universities teach languages other than Brazilian Portuguese, such as Spanish and French. If they do teach Portuguese, it's the language spoken in Portugal, which is quite different. While it may be difficult to learn the Brazilian Portuguese language in college, you can still learn it on your own. Through methods such as audio, books and software, you can learn to understand Brazilian Portuguese in no time.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Listen to audio learning tracks for Brazilian Portuguese. There are CDs and cassette tapes you can buy in book stores. You can also listen to free Brazilian Portuguese language learning podcasts (see reference). Listen to the audio in the car or on your mp3 player while out for a run. Be sure to recite the Brazilian Portuguese when prompted to help it sink in.

2. Read books on Brazilian Portuguese. These are good for when you don't have access to a CD player or computer. Books like the Everything Learning Brazilian Portuguese Book (see reference ) can help you learn conjugation and other topics not easily learned from other methods.

3. Use language learning software. Software such as Rosetta Stone (see reference 2), can teach you Brazilian Portuguese with audio and visual aids on the computer. These programs are interactive and will test your skills with the language.

4. Watch Brazilian movies without English subtitles. This is a great way to immerse yourself in the language and culture. Check out popular Brazilian movies such as The Year My Parents Went on Vacation, Lara, and Lonely Star.

5. Visit Brazil. While using books, audio, movies and software can give you a good understanding of the language, actually visiting Brazil can improve your knowledge of the language far more. You will hear pronunciations of real Brazilian Portuguese and will need to respond in kind. The longer your stay, the more you can learn.

Tips & Warnings

• Use Brazilian Portuguese whenever you can to help it stick in your mind.

[drighiz]

on 11/3/2009 Hello! Thanks for the very neat bullet points.
I am taking Portuguese classes at the Uni and do exercises at lunchtime from http://brazilianportugueselessons.blogspot.com.
I think I will also try Rosetta Stone, but in the end I agree that there's nothing like visiting the country! Will go there soon!
Thanks!
Riccardo