Learning to speak, read and write Portuguese

[steve]

The Portuguese spoken in Lisbon is certainly clearer and easier to understand than Algarvean Portuguese but the main problem in understanding stems from an unfamiliarity with the language when spoken at speed plus a basic lack of vocabulary and an understanding of slang. I think everyone should try and learn the language. I am merely urging realism in recognising the level that will be achieved by people who do not work or live among the Portuguese population

[frank]

Hi all,

When we first bought our house in Portugal we also started with the books and DVD collection. I suppose we commenced at a gallop and ended up limping along. Once we'd spent more time in the Algarve we realised we could get by quite easily with a basic knowledge of the language as so many speak English (thank God for American films).
There have been occasional frustrating moments but frankly they are rare.

I agree with lazerblazer regarding nouns, adjectives and phrases I've used a similar approach and found it more practical than getting bogged down with grammar.

Steve has also made some very good points. Lisbon Portuguese is spoken differently to Algarvian Portuguese, in fact some Portuguese friends of ours from Lisbon, at times have difficulty understanding and being understood (Newcastle and London?)

I feel unless you immerse yourself in the language, working and socialising with Portuguese all the books DVDs and lessons will leave you frustratingly at the level of classroom understanding.

One other aspect that hasn't been covered is the quality of your hearing. As we get older our hearing starts to deteriorate. I know I have found that my hearing isn't as sharp as it once was and I struggle at times when English is spoken, so stick an other language in the pot, a regional one at that and its a bit like the 4 candles (fork handles) sketch by the 2 Ronnies.

Regards,

Frank

[blue]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cz2-ukrd2VQ

One of my all time favourite sketches.

I have an aunt who has lived way up in the north of Portugal for about 60 years & is fluent in Portuguese, she always said that Algarvian is a different language.

[ditzy]

Yes it's a different accent, but nowhere near as pronounced as say, Newcastle/Liverpool vs London. Think of Algarvean as more of a west country accent... The problem is usually colloquialisms, even if you know 'proper' Portuguese, chances are you won't hear any of it!

[MALLYMAL]

Bit of a trip for you but....

We have a holiday home in LAGOS and one of the shops/offices at the bottom of our edificio offers Portuguese language lessons.

haven't tried it oursleves, as only there intermittently.

If you're interested I can ask some friends who live there full time to get a name/number/website etc

cheers

mal

[blue]

Thanks mal, I'd be interested if they've got a contact number/email, etc.
I have done a number of courses at the language school in Lagos which offers courses or individual lessons all year round more or less. It's near the centre near the old cinema. Whereabout is your edificio?
I love Lagos, my favourite town in the Algarve.

[blue]

I have just received the next syllabus from the language school in Lagos, the Centro de Linguas de Lagos, & they have 3 courses starting in October.

Beginners - Oct' 11th - 17th Nov', 30 lessons held on Monday, Wednesday & Friday, 11.10 - 1pm.

Pre-Intermediate - 19th Oct' - 7th Dec', 30 lessons held on Tuesday & Thursday, 11.10 - 1pm

Conversation Group Course - 12th Oct' - 30th Nov', 30 lessons held on Tuesday & Thursday, 11.10 - 1pm.

Lagos is a little way from Carvoeiro (much further away from us) but it's such a lovely town that I enjoyed going to my lessons there & I usually had a wander round the town after & lunch in town or at Meia Praia.
I'm taking the Conversation Group Course this time.

Here are the contact details if anyone is interested in checking them out. http://www.centrodelinguas.com

[MALLYMAL]

Hi Blue
Our edificio is in the Dunas development, near Meia Praia, and just across from the station. (From Estrada da Meia Praia, you turn in right opposite the big yellow appt block known locally as Yello Submarine!)

It will be a while before we're next out in Lagos, but if anyone wants to know more about the classes, I can ask one of my neighbours by email.

cheers
Mal

[laserblazer]

Learning another language will soon be unnecessary.

http://www.tgdaily.com/mobility-brief/5 ... ranslation

[HampshireRich]

Learning another language will soon be unnecessary.

http://www.tgdaily.com/mobility-brief/5 ... ranslation

Blimey - does this herald the end for all teachers, LB? - about time some would say - not me of course

[laserblazer]

Our kids struggle with English, so it wouldn't help much!

[pato]

I've read that it's very difficult to learn another language after reachinig forty (?) years of age, anyone else heard of that.

[carvoeiro1]

Iam still haveing trouble with Scouse! hey Pato?

[pato]

Iam still haveing trouble with Scouse! hey Pato?

I have trouble with English.

[pato]

Iam still haveing trouble with Scouse! hey Pato?

I can see that.