Short Portuguese Lessons

Frequently Asked Questions about these lessons

Where do I get tutoring software on CD-ROM?

How do I pronounce these words?

Are there big differences between Brazilian and European Portuguese?

How do I get in contact with Portuguese Chat-rooms, IRC, etc?


Where do I get tutoring software on CD-ROM?

This is the most common of questions, and unfortunately I can't give you an answer. I don't know of any software dedicated to the teaching of the Portuguese language. If you happen to know of any such software (on CD-ROM or other media), please inform me, so I can include that information here.


How do I pronounce these words?

The pronounciation section is now available. If you have serious plans about learning the language, try to find tapes with sounds, or check out one of the many Radio stations with a Web-site.


Are there big differences between Brazilian and European Portuguese?

Well, just like there are differences between American English and UK English. The major differences are on pronounciation, but there are other minor differences in the spelling of some words, and in some gramatical details. The average Portuguese has absolutely no problems in understanding a Brazilian speaking, but the opposite is not so true. The main reason is that people in Portugal hear spoken Brazilian on TV almost daily (mostly soap-operas), while a Brazilian will rarely hear spoken Portuguese. On top of this, the Brazilian pronounciation is much more clear and open, while the Portuguese pronounciation tends to be more closed and difficult to understand.


Where do I find Portuguese Chat-rooms, IRC, etc?

This is a good way to practice the language, especially because you'll get in contact with the "real" language, as it is used by people in normal situations. The best way to start is in the Talker, Chat, MUD listing in SAPO, or in the IRC listing, also in SAPO.


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Last updated: 97/04/04

Dario Oliveira Teixeira
spl@um.geira.pt