The importance of local language

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Cheryl Moderator

Member since 15 October 2018

CherylModerator24 May 2023 07:32:27

12554

Hey everyone,

As an expat, language questions often arise due to the need to communicate effectively in a new country. We’re curious to read your experiences with learning and using the local language in Portugal.

Here are some questions to get started:

What is the local language spoken in Portugal? Did you learn and use it? How difficult was it to learn?

Are there any resources or services available to help expats learn the local language? What are your tips?

What is the dominant language in the business environment? Have you had to conduct business meetings in the local language?

How does language proficiency contribute to understanding the local culture? Are there any specific cultural nuances or expressions that expats should be aware of?

How important is the local language for daily tasks such as shopping, transport, health and other services in Portugal?

Let's share tips and advice on how to improve language skills and integrate into a new environment.

Thank you for your contribution.

Cheryl
Expat.com Team

nz7521137 ViP

Member since 03 July 2021

nz7521137ViP24 May 2023 07:47:55

562

I think that unless one is very talented in languages or young (!), Portuguese is quite hard to learn for most. Understanding the spoken language and speaking are harder than reading and writing, I find. Despite not being at all good, we are trying to use whatever little we know as often as possible. For many day to day situations our skills have proven to be sufficient, but fortunately many Portuguese speak English very well.

For those that want to learn the language in earnest I would recommend the Camoes Institute, which is a state entity involved in the promotion of the Portuguese language and culture.

Portuguese is the dominant business language in Portugal, Brazil and a few more countries. For optimal performance in a Portuguese business environment I would assume that a good fluent Portuguese is essential.

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