How to Learn Portuguese at Home

Learning Portuguese at home can prepare you for travel to Portugal.

Learning a second language doesn't have to be like climbing Mount Everest. With today's technology, a classroom environment is not even a requirement. Learning Portuguese at home is a convenient way to pick up key phrases, verbs, and basic grammar. If you have ever instructed someone to place a banana in your eye instead of asking them to direct you to the nearest train, then learning at home is for you. With the help of audio books, MP3s, and a few minutes of practice each day, you will build vocabulary and confidence for your next conversation.

Things You'll Need

• Internet access
• Portuguese audio lesson
• Portuguese lesson guide
• MP3 of Portuguese conversation
• Portuguese dictionary

Instructions

Five steps to learning Portuguese at home

1. 

   Repetition is key to learning a new language and will help you retain what you learn.

   Get broadband Internet access. If you don't currently have an Internet Service Provider, now is a good time to get one. There are websites, such as audible.com that allow you to stream books, but it requires a high-speed Internet connection. Check with your local telephone or cable company for additional options.

2. 

   A few minutes per day is all it will take to learn at home.

   Purchase a Portuguese audio lesson. If streaming a site isn't an option for you, consider purchasing an audio lesson, such as an audio book for you to use as part of your home lessons. Being able to hear the proper annunciations of Portuguese words will help you sound out correctly as you learn.

3. 

   Practice what you learn on others to gauge your progress.

   Have a Portuguese lesson guide on hand. When purchasing audio books or audio lessons, some programs provide a supplemental study guide. You should use this to practice along with the audio version for at least 15 to 30 minutes every day.

4. 

   Make practicing Portuguese a part of your regular activities.

   Download lessons to your MP3. This is an effective way to learn Portuguese. Many online audio book sites will allow download versions to a number of electronic devices. The more practice you get in the more you will retain.

5. 

   Purchase a pocket-size Portuguese dictionary.

   Purchase a Portuguese dictionary. There are many English-to-Portuguese online dictionary resources to use as you learn at home. However, purchasing a pocket- or purse-size dictionary is a helpful quick reference when traveling to Portugal.

Tips & Warnings

• When traveling abroad, carry your pocket reference to point out words you are not familiar with.

• Creating flash cards of phrases will help you learn.

• Pace yourself and try not to become frustrated while you learn.

References

• Easy Portuguese: Audio and guide lessons
• English-Portuguese online dictionary

Resources

• Learning Portuguese 101: Lessons