Portuguese classes - Brazilian and European
The Portuguese language is the 7th most spoken language in the world and is spoken by approximately 223 million native speakers. It is also the official language of 7 countries: Portugal, Brazil, Mozambique, Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau and São Tomé and Príncipe.
What is the best way to learn Portuguese?
Begin your training online
Learn how to speak Portuguese with confidence by training with a Eszett teacher on Eszett’s online learning platform. Lessons can be individual, or in groups. Online Portuguese lessons are ideal if you have a busy schedule and do not want to lose time on travel. However, we understand that online lessons are not for everyone and we also offer in-person Portuguese lessons, which can be one-on-one or attended in groups.
Read books in Portuguese
If you are a beginner to Portuguese, start out with a children’s book. Children’s books are useful as the language is simple and the pictures can assist if you do not yet know every word. If your Portuguese is more advanced, reading such greats as Pessoa and Saramago will improve your ability to write and speak eloquently. The robust academic background of Eszett’s teachers ensures you are in the right hands if you would like your Portuguese lessons to centre around literary analysis.
Use Flashcards
Your grammar does not have to be perfect if you are able to make yourself understood, and often this can be achieved by just having the right words at your disposal. Using flashcards to test your memory is one way to help vocabulary stick. Portuguese language training with Eszett also incorporates proven methods to expand the Portuguese words at your fingertips.
Series, films, music or short videos in Portuguese
Gone are the days when learning a language required pouring over a grammar book. Fluency in Portuguese can be achieved immersing yourself in the language with the plethora of media available. Your Eszett teacher will include film, music and literature resources in the lessons, but can also provide recommendations for your independent learning.
Why learn Portuguese?
For Work
Knowing Portuguese is incredibly advantageous if you are looking to conduct business with Portugal, parts of Africa, or Brazil. The latter country’s economy is the largest in South America.
In addition, putting another language on your CV will showcase your mental agility and determination.
To travel
Portuguese is home to the hilly city of Lisbon, with its impressive ceramic tilework (azulejos) and its delectable seafood, as well as Porto, known for its grand bridges and port wine production. Brazil is famous for its Carnival, extensive beaches and passion for football. To truly experience the rich culture that Portuguese-speaking countries offer, learning the local language is a must.
Living Abroad
Eszett teaches not only expatriates who have relocated, but their whole families. We have seen the many benefits which living abroad brings to all family members. The experience of being exposed to another culture and seeing another way of life is unique and unforgettable.
Is it difficult to learn Portuguese?
The Foreign Service Institute of the US Government claims that a native English speaker would only need around 600 hours or 24 weeks of study to reach fluency in Portuguese.
As a romance language, Portuguese has many words which are similar to Italian, French, Spanish, Romanian, Latin and also English. It can sometimes be enough to just understand one or two words to understand the general gist of a conversation. Thus, knowing even a fraction of the Portuguese words thanks to the other languages you know will ensure you can already begin to understand the conversations happening around you.
