Learning to speak, read and write Portuguese

[shanagarry]

One of our first commitments when we made the decision to move to Portugal was to learn the Portuguese language.

I have seen the various advertisements for language tuition in the press and through Google but does anybody have first hand experience of any particular school or organisation that they would recommend based on their own personal experience and results

[Polli62]

Maybe you could get some information through your local Camara or even the local Library, just a thought.
Or maybe do a search on www.yellowpages.pai.pt for "Language schools in Carvoeiro"

[HampshireRich]

One of our first commitments when we made the decision to move to Portugal was to learn the Portuguese language.

I have seen the various advertisements for language tuition in the press and through Google but does anybody have first hand experience of any particular school or organisation that they would recommend based on their own personal experience and results

Rosetta Stone is one of the best ways of learning - though not cheap.

I have tried to learn Portuguese and it is quite strange compared to other languages that I have also failed dismally at. Speaking to the locals in CVO they advised me not to bother as a holidaymaker as you can get by in English. However, if I were to move out there, or spend a few months a year there I would definitely learn what I could, so good luck,

[shanagarry]

HR - thank you. I spent ages on the Rosetta Stone kiosk in West Quays in Southampton and while it is a very straightforward process - it has the Brazilian Portuguese way of speaking. I have spoken to locals here about that and while it is not a problem - I liken it trying to learn to speak English in a Bradford while living in West Sussex and hoping to communicate effectively.

On a related matter - I find that the question 'falle Ingles?' is usually greeted with a profound NO - but when you make the effort to converse in pigeon Portuguese - they respond more favourably. I can hold a partial conversion but woud prefer to get it right. Moreover, I believe it is courteous to make that effort.

I have found a course in Portimao (CLCC) and I think we will go for that in October - unless I can find something better.

[martin]

free lessons now being advertised by the junta do freq in messines - starting soon

[Lesley Jean]

I am not sure where I read about it but I do know that you can go on an 'intensive' course somewhere in Portimao, where you go for a week and you are immersed in the language from the moment you walk through the doors, I think this is something I will look at when we are out there far more.

[shanagarry]

Lesley Jean - the CLCC course I referred to does that but needs a minimum class size of 5

[Lucy_Penman]

If you like I can give you some Portuguese Lessons in speaking, reading and writing. I have been teaching Portuguese for the past 20 years, and I am a fully qualified teacher. Although I live in England I can deliver lessons through Skype if you are connected but if not then it's easy and free to install it. If you are interested then contact me any time.Regards Luciana

[horsemad]

Hi
We have been learning Portuguese in Lagoa now for 4 months.
Great helpful guy who charges €15 per hour for 2 of us.He has a classroom in the centre of Lagoa.

If you are interested let me have your number and I will get him to contact you

[superbocker]

I'm reading this thread with interest as i've been learning for about a year now. I avoided the Rosetta Stone due mainly to price but through a bit of searching found the 'Michel Thomas method'. Michel Thomas famous for teaching the Royal Family to speak various languages.
This is a straight forward disc based repetition and structured language building course. My basic understanding and comprehension of tenses is coming on in leaps and bounds but my downfall is vocabulary which is where Shanagarry has the advantage as he'll get the exposure. The beauty of this combination is that you get to learn in your own time OR all the time (The M3 and M25 have their advantages- believe it or not).
Ebay and Amazon are the best places to purchase the box sets.
Only buy the Foundation and ultimately the Advanced Course (the beginners course is disc 1/2 of the 8 disc foundation). This is Portuguese and NOT Brazillian but the difference is explained at the end of foundation.
I'm afraid to say that i'm a little addicted and do some every day and have probably listened to each disc a dozen times. Its never boring and makes more sense every time.
I have also had a few lessons at the Tennis Club with a friend whilst in CVO from a lady called Patricia (teaches at the INT School). I can get her details if you wish to PM me.

[blue]

free lessons now being advertised by the junta do freq in messines - starting soon

Can you give more information please, such as where this is being advertised & contact name & number.
I keep hearing about these free courses offered by various councils & never been able to find out exactly where or when, or anyone who's actually managed to get on one.

I did the CLCC course a while back, very nice purpose built school with nice cafe area, easy to get to & lots of parking. I have also done 2 beginners classes & 2 pre-intermediate classes at the Escola de Lingauge in Lagos, which is also a very good school unfortnately it's finding an intermediate course that I'm having difficulty with & I fall into this cycle of not using the Portuguese I've learned for long periods of time & then re-doing the courses I've already done. Oh well I'm sure I'll have a firm grasp of the basics in 20 years time .

Will have a look at the Michel Thomas Method though, why not? I've bought every other book, cd, dvd.
Rosetta Stone don't do a european Portuguese course, or at least they didn't use to.

[shanagarry]

Like you Blue, we have every CD, DVD etc on learning to speak Portuguese and still only have the basic 'Bom Dia' skills.

I learned to speak German while living and working there many years ago and when I tried to 'brush-up' and bought books etc - it just didn't work.

I believe in the full immersion process (in a small class) - that way you get answers immediately and hear it pronounced properly. As you rightly pointed out Rosetta Stone is only available in the Brazilian format - that's of little use here in Carvoeiro.

[blue]

I am now considering doing an intensive course in Lisbon over a two - three week period in November, you are given accommodation with a local family & the course is every day full time. Apart from the cost I'm just not sure my little ol' brain cells will take it.

[shanagarry]

Blue - that's the best way if you're determined enough and have the time to do it

[martin]

the free lesson were advertised on a poster..you have to go the junta do freq in missines to enroll or the school (name cant remember) . the junta is near the fire station