I found a very good article on learning a language on Lexiophiles.com: an interview with Spanish translator and TV show presenter Xosé Castro.
In my opinion, Xosé’s three special tips for learners are really at the heart of learning a foreign language and having fun along the way. I am sure that my students will recognize this advice 🙂
1. Do not worry so much about your pronunciation
Really, the student’s first goal is to communicate and you will only be able to do so by trying and by making mistakes. It is OK to make mistakes; everyone who speaks a foreign language fluently has made plenty of mistakes. They are part of the journey and can become funny stories to tell. My friend Tuca will never forget the first time that he was asked “What’s up?” He looked up and asked “Where?”
2. Learn everyday expressions
Obviously I hold colloquial language in very high regard. That is why we are called Street Smart Brazil 🙂 When I studied English in Brazil, no one ever taught me how to say simple things like “What’s up?” When I first got to the US, I spoke fluent English but sounded as if I had materialized out of a textbook. Well, textbooks are important, but when we step in a foreign country or find ourselves among international friends, colloquial language is the real thing. Street Smart Brazil students know that very well!
3. Learn all the time
Weekly lessons are a very important part of the journey, but are not enough. A student needs to learn everyday and in every way: do your homework, listen to music, watch videos, talk with native speakers with every opportunity. Spend some time every day practicing and learning.
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What are your tricks to learn Portuguese? I’d love to hear from you!
I am learning Portuguese with you guys, because my favourite handball player is Eduarda Amorim. She plays at Hungary and I am hungarian. 🙂
I like you #TeamStreetSmartBrazil! Thank you, Luciana! 🙂
Muito obrigada, Kriszti! Your message made me happy 🙂
I’m enjoying the StreetSmartBrazil blog and videos on Youtube alot! I can speak quite a bit of spanish, and that is also helping me to learn.. I’m going to Brazil in 2 weeks time , the videos are very helpful and make it fun to learn Portuguese.
All the best,
Julien.
Oi, Julien! Muito obrigada pelo seu comentário! I wish you a great trip to Brazil. When you are back, let us know how it went.
If you’d like to practice before your trip, you can purchase our small package of 6 hours of instruction. Here is how we help you prepare for the trip:
https://streetsmartbrazil.com/product/portuguese-travel/
Hey Doran, it is good to know that you are practicing your Portuguese! Espero que esteja tudo bem com vocês 🙂
So much appreciate the Portuguese video search tips Luciana. Can’t wait to explore them!
Doran