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How to learn European Portuguese

Last activity 16 November 2024 by chrisschubert21

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JohnnyPT

Why Portuguese ?


Learning Portuguese does take a lot of work, I admit it is a challenge (especially grammar and pronunciation), but there are a lot of benefits to being able to speak Portuguese as well. It will empower you and can also be fun and rewarding. Learning the language is the best way to understand a culture.
You can live in Portugal (particularly in the Algarve and Lisbon) and never learn to say anything other than "bom dia" or "obrigado", but you will always going to live in an english-speaking bubble.

Speaking Portuguese is an asset in today's globalised world. With about 300 million speakers, Portuguese is the 5th most spoken language in the world, the 3rd most spoken in the Western hemisphere (after English and Spanish) and the most spoken in the Southern hemisphere.

People who do not know European Portuguese often think the Portuguese way of speaking looks like the Russian language and this can be explained with the richness of phonetics. While speakers from other latin languages (Spanish, Italian, French) show in general some difficulties to speak other languages, portuguese people seem to speak other idioms with ease, because portuguese language has a richness of sounds that those languages don’t have.

European Portuguese is a beautiful language that deserves to be made easily accessible to learners worldwide :)
JohnnyPT

European Portuguese vs Brazilian Portuguese


Some people may advise you to learn Brazilian Portuguese, telling you that it’s easier to pronounce and understand. This can be explained because European Portuguese speakers sometimes “eat” vowels when speaking and they speak faster and with fewer pauses between words.

There are differences in vocabulary, pronunciation and usage/meaning between Brazilian and European Portuguese and this can affect your ability as a non native portuguese to communicate effectively. Same happens between British English and American English.

But above all, why learn a version of Portuguese that sounds different from the way people speak in Portugal? Besides, Portuguese people understand the Brazilian Portuguese much better than the Brazilian people understand the European Portuguese. This is weird but it is true. One of the reasons is because Portuguese people have always been used to listen to Brazilian music and TV programmes made in Brazil since the 70s.
JohnnyPT

How to learn European Portuguese (Portugal) ?...

Did you know a great way to learn a language is through your senses? 

For sight, start to read some Portuguese children’s books as these will be more suitable for your level. Try a book you already know the storyline.

For sound, listen to some Portuguese music.

Combine sight and sound! Watch Portuguese television shows and listen closely to the way they pronounce words.


To learn European Portuguese you can use, eg.:

- Portuguese Online Free Platform

- Online Lessons from European Portuguese Tutors: there are many FREE classes in portuguese on youtube, spotify, etc. .... and if you are interested you can also take individual classes;

- Online Courses from Language schools in Portugal;

- Free Apps (with portuguese accent, not brazilian);

- Watch TV programmes in RTP Play platform and youtube videos

(...)

They offer all levels of instruction and will tailor the lessons to your personal, professional, or academic goals.

_____

Posts index:


Learning European Portuguese with Free apps
Many language apps like Duolingo/Babbel offer Portuguese, but beware - it's Brazilian Portuguese, which is not the same as European Portuguese. And if you are brand new to the language, it makes sense to start with European Portuguese (if you know Brazilian Portuguese, good for you–you'll be 90% there). Here are some of apps online resources for learning the language:
(Post #7)

____

Build your vocabulary with some hits by watching youtube videos:
Start by learning the most common words and expressions. The ones you’ll need to use when you visit such as verbs, nouns, adjectives, and pronouns. Write all these words down in a journal or make flashcards. Make it like your own little Portuguese dictionary.
(Posts #16 & #17)

____


Online Lessons from European Portuguese Tutors
Taking lessons online has the advantage of allowing you to learn European Portuguese from a native speaker living in Portugal. They have online presence in Website, Youtube and Spotify.
(Post #6)

____

Watch Portuguese TV channels
Watch Portuguese television shows and listen closely to the way they pronounce words. Start with TV programmes in your native language with portuguese subtitles (post #10) and later on move on to programmes in portuguese with portuguese subtitles (posts #11 & #12).

____

Online Newspapers, Books and Magazines
Read Portuguese newspapers and magazines. You may not understand everything at first, but you will be able to learn new words and gain a connection with the Portuguese culture.
(Post #13)

____

Listen to some Portuguese music
Learning a language doesn't have to be boring. In fact, if you want to succeed at learning Portuguese, you better make it enjoyable. For sound, you can listen to some Portuguese music. A good idea would be to have the lyrics in front of you so you can sing along and practice pronunciation.
(Post #14)

____

Portuguese language courses
Portuguese language courses at language schools
Portuguese language courses at Universities
Portuguese courses at other institutions
Online learning
(Post #5)

____

Podcasts and radio
The radio is a powerful medium for understanding the cadence and rhythm of Portuguese as spoken by Portuguese people. Gradually you will internalize it as it is spoken.
(Post #15)
JohnnyPT

Portuguese Online Free Platform


The Portuguese Online Free Platform presents content for the acquisition of European Portuguese by adults who speak other languages.


(English version available at top right corner of the screen).

This platform is a tool that allows the user to practice portuguese in activities of listening, reading comprehension and written production, as well as to learn and extend vocabulary and grammar knowledge, useful for everyday life.

The contents, organised in two levels - level A and level B -, are described in the two references "Portuguese for Speakers of Other Languages - The Elementary User in the Host Country" and "Portuguese for Speakers of Other Languages - The Independent User in the Host Country".

The platform is organised into 24 functional thematic modules, presented in text, audio, video and image formats, and available in Portuguese, English, Arabic and Spanish.

A presentation video in english is available in the platform.

If you have any doubts or difficulties in accessing this platform, try to expose your problem by using this email:    ppt@acm.gov.pt   

( PPT = Programa de aprendizagem Português para Todos/Portuguese Learning Programme for All)





_____________

PORTUGUESE HOST LANGUAGE (PLA) COURSES


What are the Portuguese Host Language (PLA) courses?

The Portuguese Host Language (PLA) courses (formerly known as Portuguese for Speakers of Other Languages (PFOL) or Portuguese for All (PPT)), created within the scope of Ordinance No. 183/2020, of 5 August, aim to respond to migrant’s needs concerning Portuguese language learning.

These courses certify levels A1 + A2 (Elementary User) and B1 + B2 (Independent User), according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

PLA courses can be co-funded by EU funds, namely by the Operational Programme Social Inclusion and Employment (PO ISE), under which the High Commission for Migration (ACM, I.P.) assumes the quality of Intermediate Body for the Operation Typology 3.06 - Portuguese Host Language.


Where can I find PLA courses?

PLA courses are promoted by the public schools, through the Directorate-General of Schools (DGEstE), by the directly and participated management centres network of the Employment and Vocational Training Institute (IEFP, I.P.) and also by the Qualifica Centres network.

Find here the list of schools with PLA courses approved by DGEstE for the academic year 2021/2022.

Access the offer provided by the IEFP, I.P., through the Directly Management Centres and Participated Management Centres. You can also access the IEFP, I.P. website in IEFPonline, searching in the field "Pesquise aqui...", for "Português Língua de Acolhimento".

You can also check the offer provided by the Qualifica Centres here.

On the Education and Training Courses Portal you will also find information about PLA courses, by searching in the “Course title” field by “Portuguese Host Language”.

If you are interested in attending a course, you should contact the school, vocational training centre or Qualifica Centre in order to obtain information about the registration process, starting dates, timetables, as well as other requirements.

To find out which schools, vocational training centres or Qualifica Centres are closest to your residence or working area, you can contact the Portuguese Language Learning Promotion Office (GLPt), through the email glpt@acm.gov.pt, or the Migrant Support Line (808 257 257 - 21 810 61 91).


Who can attend PLA courses?

PLA courses are aimed at adults, aged 18 or over, whose native language is not Portuguese and/or who do not have basic, intermediate or advanced skills in Portuguese language according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), regardless of their legal situation in the country.

The beneficiaries must have a residence permit, in accordance with the national legislation applicable to foreign citizens, or must present one of the following documents:

a) Proof that the procedure to obtain or renew the residence permit has been started, within the regularization process;

b) Proof of the asylum application admission and whose process is ongoing;

c) Proof of Social Security Identification Number (NISS) attribution.


How long are the courses certifying level A (A1 + A2) - Elementary User?

The courses that certify level A (A1 + A2) have a maximum of 150 hours. The lenght of each course depends on each promoting entity’s organisation, according to the number of training hours taught per week.

How long are the courses certifying level B (B1 + B2) - Independent User?

The courses that certify level A (A1 + A2) have a maximum of 150 hours. The lenght of each course depends depends on each promoting entity’s organisation, according to the number of training hours taught per week.

How are the PLA courses organised?

PLA courses are organised according to the competences and training referential included in the National Qualifications Catalogue (CNQ), to which correspond the levels of language proficiency according to the QECRL and the respective number of hours.

(...)


TECHNICAL PORTUGUESE COURSES


The Technical Portuguese courses aim to facilitate the access and the integration in the labour market, in the areas of Commerce, Hospitality, Beauty Care, Construction and Civil Engineering.

These courses are provided by the IEFP, I.P. and are aimed at adults who need to deepen their knowledge of technical Portuguese in one of these activity sectors.

Check out the training references corresponding to each of the areas:

-Commerce ;
- Hospitality;
- Beauty Care;
- Construction and Civil Engineering.

How long are the Technical Portuguese courses?

The Technical Portuguese courses have a maximum of 25 hours. The lenght of each course depends on the organisation of each promoting entity, according to the number of training hours taught per week.

Are the Technical Portuguese courses certified?

Yes. Trainees who successfully complete the Technical Portuguese course are granted a Specific Purposes Training Certificate.

(...)
JohnnyPT

Portuguese language courses at language schools


ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE
Portuguese language courses for foreigners. Individual or group classes. Corporate training.


CAMBRIDGE SCHOOL
Portuguese language courses, from First Certificate to Portuguese as a Foreign Language University Diploma. Private classes or small groups.


LUSA LANGUAGE SCHOOL
Intensive or part-time Portuguese language courses, online courses, group conversation classes or private classes.


PORTUGUESE CONNECTION SCHOOL
All kinds of courses — online and on-site — to learn Portuguese in Portugal. Group and one on one classes.

(...)



Portuguese language courses at Universities


UNIVERSIDADE DE LISBOA
Portuguese as a Foreign Language Yearly and Summer Course.


UNIVERSIDADE NOVA DE LISBOA
Portuguese Culture and Language Summer Courses.


UNIVERSIDADE DO PORTO
Portuguese as a Foreign Language Yearly and Summer Course.



UNIVERSIDADE DE COIMBRA


UNIVERSIDADE DO ALGARVE


UNIVERSIDADE DE AVEIRO


(...)



Portuguese courses at other institutions


INSTITUTO CAMÕES
Portuguese Language Centers and Cultural Institutes abroad. On-site and distance learning Portuguese language courses available. Technical Portuguese courses and Specialisation courses.


Virtual School



PORTUGUESE FOR ALL PROGRAMME (PPT - Português para todos)
(Post #4)
Portuguese courses for immigrants – an initiative of the High Commission for Migrants



LISBON LIBRARIES / Bibliotecas de Lisboa
The Lisbon Libraries develop learning activities of Portuguese for foreigners, with the aim of promoting the acquisition of basic vocabulary and grammar skills, thus promoting a smoother social, economic and professional integration.



TOWN HALLS / Câmaras Municipais
Some town halls offer Portuguese courses for foreigners. Find out more at your local town hall:

Eg.
Cascais

Lousã (Central Portugal)

Alcoutim (Algarve)
Alcoutim Town Hall promotes free Portuguese classes for foreigners:

(...)

List of municipal libraries in Portugal




Online learning


INSTITUTO CAMÕES Virtual School


EASY PORTUGUESE
Basic level online courses – conversation and everyday grammar.


MY LANGUAGE EXCHANGE
Correspondence with native speakers and online conversation courses.


ONLINE LESSONS FROM EUROPEAN PORTUGUESE TUTORS
Please read post #6


(...)
JohnnyPT

Online Lessons from European Portuguese Tutors


Taking lessons online has the advantage of allowing you to learn European Portuguese from a native speaker living in Portugal. They have online presence in Website, Youtube and Spotify.

Many lessons are available for FREE.


Eg.

Learn European Portuguese Online by Mia Esmeriz (native Portuguese)

Website:

Youtube:




Portuguese Lab | Learn European Portuguese by Susana Morais (native Portuguese)

Website:

Youtube:

Spotify: Portuguese Lab Podcast:

About Podcast The Portuguese Lab is your one-stop podcast to learn European Portuguese (from Portugal). Improve the different skills of the language and learn how to be an independent and successful learner. Frequency = 1 episode / week

You can subscribe on Itunes, Stitcher and Spotify



Practice Portuguese made in Portugal by Rui Coimbra / Joel Rendall

Their online platform helps learners master the practical elements of European Portuguese, while improving comprehension skills using short, addictive bursts of practice, with their 1-2 minute “Shorties”; or their new video clips feature, featuring Portuguese natives of all ages speaking thousands of useful phrases. Your teachers: Rui Coimbra (native Portuguese co-founder) and Joel Rendall (Born and raised in Canada, moved to Lisbon in September 2012)

Website:

Youtube:

Spotify: Practice Portuguese


About Podcast Learn European Portuguese from Portugal through podcasts. Follow to know more and stay updated. Frequency: 1 episode / quarter



Learn European Portuguese Online Today by Sandra Carapinha (Portuguese American, bilingual in English and Portuguese)

Website:

Youtube:



Talk the streets by Liz Sharma (english speaker native, but due to her graduated studies in Portuguese, she is now settled in Lisbon and teaches European Portuguese)

Website:

Youtube:



Portuguese with Carla by Carla Sabala (native portuguese living in UK)

Website:

Youtube:

Podcasts:

Apps



Simpleton Portuguese

Website:

Youtube:



(...)
JohnnyPT

Learning European Portuguese with Free apps


Many language apps like Duolingo/Babbel offer Portuguese, but beware - it’s Brazilian Portuguese, which is not the same as European Portuguese. And if you are brand new to the language, it makes sense to start with European Portuguese (if you know Brazilian Portuguese, good for you–you’ll be 95% there). Here are some of apps online resources for learning the language:


Eg.

Linguee

Memrise

Drops

Reverso

L-Lingo Learn Portuguese

Internet Polyglot (web app)

Lyrics Training

Quizlet


____

Other suggestions:

Suggestions made by Liz Sharma, a portuguese teacher in Lisbon, and founder of Talk the Streets:

Suggestions made by PortuguesewithCarla:

(...)
JohnnyPT

Watch Portuguese TV channels


One of the ways to learn a foreign language is to watch TV programmes.

Watch Portuguese television shows and listen closely to the way they pronounce words. Start with TV programmes in your native language with portuguese subtitles (post #10) and later on move on to programmes in portuguese with portuguese subtitles (posts #11 & #12).

The flashing 888 (or 887) number on the top right/left corner of your TV at the start of/during certain portuguese programmes is there as a notification for you to be informed that there are Portuguese subtitles available, should you be interested to set them on (by using teletext).

This feature has been traditionally used by people with a hearing impairment in order to follow a programme on TV, but it can be used to learn a new language as well, by connecting written & spoken portuguese words.

Be aware that in order to set on this feature you will need to press the teletext button (the button displaying the shape of a TV screen with three lines inside it) on your remote control, followed by pressing three times the number 8 button.

in Portugal,  TV programmes, movies, news, etc are not dubbed into Portuguese.  Everything is broadcast in the original language, whatever it is, except some documentaries and children's programmes.

In this way, you can also link the English spoken with the Portuguese written in the subtitles.


Do you prefer subs or dubs? Here’s a map for that:
JohnnyPT

Online TV contents


RTP Play (Public Broadcasting TVs & Radios) ( TV channels 1&2l


RTP Play is a totally free access streaming platform of RTP (Radio Televisão Portuguesa), and no paid subscription is required to use any service available.


- More than 150,000 contents organised by themes

- HD Contents, both live and on demand

- More than 20 live Radio and TV channels:


Live TV channels: RTP1 (mainstream), RTP2, RTP3 (news), RTP international, RTP Africa, RTP Memória (Recall old TV programmes), RTP Açores, RTP Madeira


Live Radio Antena 1 (main channel), Antena 2 (classic music), Antena 3 (for young people),...



https://www.rtp.pt/play


https://www.rtp.pt/play/direto/rtp1


https://www.rtp.pt/play/direto/rtp2


https://www.rtp.pt/play/direto/rtp3


App RTP: https://play.google.com/store/apps/deta … t.rtp.play



RTP Play is available outside the Portuguese territory. However, some content such as programmes, movies, series and live broadcasts do not have broadcasting rights so they are not available outside.


It has several documentaries, movies and series from several countries, ALL subtitled in European Portuguese.


Regarding foreign documentaries, voiceover is in Portuguese, but both voiceover and any testimonies in other languages are all subtitled in Portuguese. You may need to choose the "CC option" (with subtitles) there.




TVI Player ( TV channel 4)


https://tviplayer.iol.pt/direto/TVI


App TVI: https://play.google.com/store/apps/deta … er.android




SIC Player / Opto Player ( TV channel 3)


https://sic.pt/direto


App SIC (Opto player): https://play.google.com/store/apps/deta … presa.opta


OPTO SIC streaming platform has two versions:

a free version, with a catalogue containing hundreds of series, documentaries, soap operas,... and a premium version, with exclusive content such as exclusive series, humour, documentaries and news programmes.


https://opto.sic.pt/inicio/



_______



News channels:



RTP3 ( TV channel 6)

https://www.rtp.pt/play/direto/rtp3


App RTP: https://play.google.com/store/apps/deta … t.rtp.play



CNN Portugal ( TV channel 7)

https://cnnportugal.iol.pt/


App CNN Portugal: https://play.google.com/store/apps/deta … nnportugal



SIC notícias ( TV channel 5)

https://sicnoticias.pt/


App SIC notícias: https://play.google.com/store/apps/deta … ticias.app



Now News ( TV channel 9)

https://www.nowcanal.pt/



CMTV ( TV channel 8)

https://www.cmjornal.pt/cmtv/


App: https://play.google.com/store/apps/deta … .cmandroid


________



TELECOM Providers: TVApps


NOS TV (Only for NOS subscribers):

https://play.google.com/store/apps/deta … ris.online



MEO GO (Only for MEO subscribers):

https://play.google.com/store/apps/deta … .meomobile



Vodafone TV (Only for Vodafone subscribers):

https://play.google.com/store/apps/deta … one.vtv.pt

JohnnyPT

Non portuguese Online TV contents with portuguese subtitles


Movies and Series:

Select the video you want to watch. For example:




In english, with portuguese subtitles:
Eg.
O barco do amor (Love boat)
A origem obscura de Sherlock holmes (The dark beginnings of Sherlock Holmes)
Monthy Python
Walker, o Ranger do Texas
Missão impossível (Mission: Impossible)
Segredos de um Casamento (Wedding secrets)
Os Médici: Senhores de Florença
(...)



In deutch, with portuguese subtitles:
Eg.
Bauhaus
Bella Alemanha
Manipuladores
(..)



In french, with portuguese subtitles:
Eg.
Benedetta
(...)



In danish, with portuguese subtitles:
Eg.
Escola de Enfermagem
(...)


In spanish, with portuguese subtitles:
Eg.
Caça ao Homem em Monteperdido
(...)


In italian, with portuguese subtitles:
Eg.
Cá Por Casa Tudo Bem
JohnnyPT

Portuguese Online TV contents with portuguese subtitles (*)


(*)Subtitles available: press button "CC", choose that you want subtitles in portuguese


Documentaries / Interviews:

One or + episodes:

Visita Guiada (*)
This is a TV programme that makes the portuguese Cultural Heritage better known.

Parque da Pena (*)
Pena Park is a journey through the romantic imagery of the Sintra district. Through the creator of the park and palace of pena, D. Fernando II, we get to know a little better the roots and traditions that made the Sintra mountains sacred to a great number of people who passed through there, and these traditions persist to the present day.

A Mosca / The Fly (*)
The Fly is a daily programme, with an ironic and humorous look at current news. One of the daily subjects will be approached with an animated cartoon.

Portugueses pelo mundo (*)
Each episode corresponds to a different city in different parts of the world. Each of these cities is characterised and presented through the daily life and stories of Portuguese people who live there.

De Lisboa a Helsínquia (*)
A journey through several European regions. From North to South and East to West, the weekly information programme "From Lisbon to Helsinki" will tour 56 regions in the 28 member states of the European Union. It will investigate the usefulness and relevance of projects financed by European funds in the fields of environment, education, health, culture, innovation and immigration.

Histórias do mar (*)
The theme of Sea Stories focuses on the sea crafts, traditional fishing techniques and products and services linked to the sea and the river.

Cuidado com a língua (*)
Program where you can learn Portuguese in a funny way. Each programme always has a guest ( either actors or experts on the subject), combining fictional scenes, with current images and other images from archives or films, graphics, animation, diagrams, video and sound effects.

Mundo dos sentidos (*)
Series about the six senses of the human being, making the viewer reflect on the value of what he has as acquired.

Principes do nada (*)
Reporting on the stories and experiences of those who, in adverse contexts, fight to improve the living conditions of the most disadvantaged populations, this programme Princes of Nowhere aims to promote citizenship and human rights. The programme covers such urgent issues as female excision, deficient health systems, child labour, hunger, access to education, gender inequality, humanitarian crises and the over-exploitation of natural resources.

Biosfera (*)
A tv report on environmental issues.

Sei quem ele é (*)
During 30 minutes, the interviewees talk about their career, tell stories, comment on the images that are being projected from the castings carried out and that are part of their casting archive throughout their career.

(...)


JohnnyPT

Portuguese Online TV contents with portuguese subtitles (*)


(*) Subtitles available: press button "CC", choose that you want subtitles in portuguese

Movies and Series:


One or + episodes:

Vidago Palace (*)
Romance, passions, hatreds, betrayals, mystery and suspense
Portugal, August 1936. At the Vidago Palace, a particularly heterogeneous and remarkable lot of guests gather. Portuguese, Spanish, French, English and German families spend their holidays together in the hotel. Europe is in turmoil. Hitler is preparing the ground for the Second World War. Spain has just plunged into civil war. In Portugal, Salazar creates the Portuguese Youth. It is in this context that the love story of Pedro and Carlota arises, two youngsters from different classes, willing to face all obstacles to stay together.

Parque Mayer (*)
Lisbon, 1933. In a Parque Mayer theatre, during the rehearsals for a new play, there is everything: mismatched love, small personal dramas and a constant fight against the censorship of the Portuguese dictatorship and the skilful attempt to get around it.

Pôr do Sol (*)
Monthy Pyton style humour

Madre Paula
Historical serial passed in the 18th century. Portuguese King João V has an unhappy marriage and chooses his mistresses at the Odivelas monastery. When he meets the nun Paula, he falls madly in love.

Terra Nova (*)
The daily life of families in fishing communities along the Portuguese coast in the 1930s

Nelo e Idalia (*)
Nelo and Idália promote alternative humour in an explosive and biting series.
This programme, that shows us these famous "puppets", portrays this couple's truculent daily life.

O sábio (*)
The story of a man who reappears in a city where he mysteriously disappeared 20 years ago


(...)
JohnnyPT

Books and Magazines

Read Portuguese newspapers and magazines. You may not understand everything at first, but you will be able to learn new words and gain a connection with the Portuguese culture.

Start reading easy reports. Read some portuguese children’s books as these will be more suitable for your level. Try O Principezinho (The Little Prince) or maybe a book you already know the storyline.

Eg.

O Principezinho (The Little Prince)

https://bibliotecadigital.aemrt.pt/down … xupery.pdf


Os Contos de Hans Christian Andersen (Hans Christian Andersen's Short Stories)

https://bibliotecadigital.aemrt.pt/down … dersen.pdf


________________________________________________________________________________


Bibliotecas (Libraries)

Biblioteca Nacional de Portugal

http://www.bnportugal.gov.pt/index.php?lang=en

Services, Digital library, online bookshop, ...

For all interested in Portuguese culture, this website introduces the National Library of Portugal and its services, ranging from those intended for library and the book industry professionals to the activities aimed at researchers and the general public, concerning access, promotion and diffusion of the heritage held at the largest library in the country.

It is a vast and diversified heritage covering almost ten centuries of history and culture of the Portuguese society, encompassing all subjects and genres in ever growing library holdings. Thus securing a future for the past and building up a record of the present for the generations to come.

The essence of the Library lies in this heritage. Kept alive and inspiring through the multiple forms of access enabled by technologies.


_______

List of municipal libraries in Portugal

https://pt.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lista_d … m_Portugal


________________________________________________________________________________


Online Newspapers

https://expresso.pt/

https://www.dn.pt/

https://www.publico.pt/

https://onovo.pt/

https://ionline.sapo.pt/

https://sol.sapo.pt/

https://www.cmjornal.pt/

https://visao.sapo.pt/

https://www.sabado.pt/

https://observador.pt/

https://www.jn.pt/

https://www.noticiasaominuto.com/

https://www.sulinformacao.pt/

(...)


___________

Economics

https://eco.sapo.pt/

https://www.jornaldenegocios.pt/

https://www.dinheirovivo.pt/

https://jornaleconomico.pt/

https://www.e-konomista.pt/

(...)


___________

Lifestyle, Travel, ...

https://www.nit.pt/

https://www.timeout.pt/lisboa/pt

https://executivedigest.sapo.pt/

https://www.voltaaomundo.pt/

https://www.evasoes.pt/

(...)




JohnnyPT

Listen to some Portuguese music


Learning a language doesn’t have to be boring. In fact, if you want to succeed at learning Portuguese, you better make it enjoyable. For sound, you can listen to some Portuguese music. A good idea would be to have the lyrics in front of you so you can sing along and practice pronunciation.

Lyrics in portuguese & english

Eg.
Salvador Sobral - Amar pelos dois

Carolina Deslandes - A vida toda

Dulce Pontes - Canção do mar

Amalia - Cheira bem, cheira a Lisboa

Madredeus - Haja o que houver

Polo Norte - Aprender a ser feliz

Delfins - Sou como um rio

Delfins - Canção do engate

Anjos - Eu estou aqui


(...)

Lyrics in portuguese

Ana Moura - Desfado

Paulo de Carvalho - E Depois do Adeus

Tiago Bettencourt - Canção do Engate

Dulce Pontes - Amor a Portugal

Dulce Pontes - O Infante

Rita Guerra & João Paulo Rodrigues - Por Mim

Jose Cid - 20 anos

Rui Veloso - Não Há Estrelas No Céu

Rita Guerra e Beto - Cavaleiro Andante

Sónia Tavares - A Gaivota

Pedro Abrunhosa - Tudo o que eu te dou

Deolinda - Seja Agora

Mariza - Melhor de Mim

Trovante - Ser Poeta

André Sardet - Foi Feitiço

Amália Rodrigues - Barco Negro

HMB ft. Carminho - O Amor é Assim

Bárbara Tinoco- Sei lá

Os Quatro e Meia - O Tempo Vai Esperar

Flor-de-Lis - Todas As Ruas Do Amor

Ana Moura - Andorinhas

Agir-Como ela é bela

D.A.M.A- Agora é tarde

Mariza - Quem me dera

(...)


No lyrics .... But you can search online by singer name + song name + " letra" (lyrics)

Toka & Dança - Olha o Vira

Tiago Nacarato | Ana Bacalhau - Só Me Apetece Dançar

Tiago Nacarato - A Dança

MIMICAT - Tudo ao Ar

Branko & Mayra Andrade - Reserva Pra Dois

Vitorino - Queda do Império

Anjos - Quero voltar

Luís Trigacheiro - Meu Nome É Saudade

José Cid - Ontem, hoje e amanhã

Simone - Desfolhada portuguesa

Delfins - Sou como um rio

Rebeca - Meu nome é Rebeca

(...)
JohnnyPT

Join talk groups (Learning Portuguese and teaching your mother tongue)


You can join Portuguese-English speaking groups to network yourself and help other people with these languages. There are some of these groups on Meetup.

Eg.


Podcasts and radio


The radio is a powerful medium for understanding the cadence and rhythm of Portuguese as spoken by Portuguese people. Gradually you will internalize it as it is spoken.

Eg. Some podcasts available at Antena 1 public radio website:


Beginners:
A mosca
Short (less than 1 minute) storytelling podcasts about daily news

Podcast

Short movies


Advanced Students:

Portuguese people around the world
Medium (less than 20 minutes): storytelling podcasts about portuguese people around the world, experiences and successes.
15 episodes / month. + 2300 podcasts available.


90 segundos de ciência
Short (less than 2 minutes) storytelling podcasts about science
+ 1300 podcasts available


Tell me everything
You can hear real stories from special people, because the best stories are the ones that are shared. While these aren't technically lessons, they're very useful for advanced students as they cover a diverse topics using clear European Portuguese which is a great way to expand your vocabulary and fine-tune your listening skills.
13 episodes / yearly


O amor é
Short (less than 9 minutes) storytelling podcasts about love, relationships and sex


Portugalex
Short (less than 3 minutes) humour sketch podcasts about politics and daily facts


O esplendor de Portugal
Long (45 minutes) podcasts about politics reviewed by foreign journalists in Portugal


De Lisboa a Helsinquia
Medium (less than 15 minutes) podcasts about european sustainable/community projects in EU countries


Dias do Avesso
Short (less than 5 minutes) sketch podcasts about education, childhood, and family

(...)
JohnnyPT

Build your vocabulary with some hits by watching youtube videos:


Start by learning the most common words and expressions. The ones you’ll need to use when you visit such as verbs, nouns, adjectives, and pronouns. Write all these words down in a journal or make flashcards. Make it like your own little Portuguese dictionary.


Greetings in Portuguese

Alphabet

Numbers

Personal Pronouns in Portuguese

SER vs ESTAR (to be) in Portuguese

How To Answer To HOW ARE YOU In Portuguese

100 verbs (eu / I)

Portuguese Verb Conjugation | How to conjugate verbs ending in AR [PRESENT TENSE]

How To Conjugate Portuguese Verbs Ending In -ER With Examples [PRESENT TENSE]

How To Conjugate Portuguese Verbs Ending in -IR [PRESENT TENSE]

Vocabulary: clothes & colours

At the clothing store

How To Order Something At A Restaurant In Portuguese

At the coffee shop

(...)
JohnnyPT

Portuguese Verb Conjugation


Conjugator A.
Conjuga-me is a tool to conjugate verbs in Portuguese, it can be very helpful to learn portuguese verb conjugation.


If you only know the name of the verb in english: You can conjugate a portuguese verb by entering an english verb:
  Enter eng to english_verb
  Substitute english_verb by the verb in the infinitive that you want to conjugate
  Example: eng to study will show equivalent verb in portuguese
  Note: you may ommit the "to" as in eng study

If you type "eng study", it appears: : "The following translations/conjugations are available: estudar"
Select "estudar": then it is shown to you:


Conjugator B.

Eg. Ser / estar (to be)

Ter (to have)

(...)


English to Portuguese online dictionaries


JohnnyPT

Online Courses from Language schools in Portugal


CIAL - Centro de Línguas

Founded in 1959, CIAL has organised Portuguese Language Courses for more than 40 years, being the first language school in Portugal to have a year round offer of courses in all levels.

CIAL's courses are fully aligned with the Common European Framework for Languages (QEFR) and recognised and accredited nationally and internationally. Members of the teaching team have been involved in producing textbooks and other materials for more than 30 years. These materials are published and became the leading teaching materials for Portuguese worldwide.



Portuguese Connection School

Portuguese School located in Lisbon, helps students to learn the Portuguese language through custom designed courses, developed to ensure a fantastic learning experience. It is a Certified school by DGERT (Ministry of Education of Portugal) with highly qualified teachers and years of experience teaching Portuguese to students from all over the world



Lusa School

Portuguese Online group courses offer interactive online experience. Besides grammar, it will practice all the communicative aspects of the language in virtual classroom alongside people with the same language goals. Courses taught by native and highly qualified teachers, with years of experience in teaching European Portuguese to foreigner.It is a Certified school by DGERT.




Escola de Linguas das Sardinhas


Courses provide the same methodology as traditional face-to-face online classes with a digital component with qualified teachers. To support online classes it is available a set of instruments in digital format: manuals for each level, PowerPoint presentations, games, music and other instruments to support the learning of the Portuguese language and culture.
They support all those who are interested in taking CIPLE, DEPLE, DIPLE, DAPLE, DUPLE,
exams https://caple.letras.ulisboa.pt/exames regarding residence or Portuguese nationality.




(...)
JohnnyPT

Portuguese Language Test (CIPLE A2) to obtain Portuguese Nationality


The Portuguese language test CIPLE (Certificado Inicial de Português como Língua Estrangeira / Initial Certificate of Portuguese as a Foreign Language) is a mandatory language test for obtaining Portuguese citizenship (see previous posts in this topic).

In accordance with current legislation, level A2 is the minimum level required. This  level is around that of O-Level/GCSE in the UK.

You can do this exam only in an accredited centre for evaluating the knowledge of Portuguese as a foreign language. There are about 100 of these centres in 35 countries around the world, in all continents.

Accredited Centres In Portugal:
     Aveiro - Universidade de Aveiro
     Chaves- Escola Superior de Enfermagem Cruz Vermelha Portuguesa
     Évora - Universidade de Évora
     Faro - Universidade do Algarve
     Funchal (Madeira) - Academia de Línguas da Madeira
     Leiria - Instituto Politécnico de Leiria
     Lisboa - Universidade Nova de Lisboa
     Lisboa - Universidade de Lisboa
     Ponta Delgada (Azores) - Universidade dos Açores
     Porto - Universidade do Porto
     Vilamoura (Algarve) - Colégio Internacional de Vilamoura


Who Is Exempt From The Exam ?
You will be exempt from the test if:
- You are married to a Portuguese citizen, or
- You are eligible for Portuguese citizenship through naturalization, or
- You are from a Portuguese speaking country, or
- You have a certificate stating that you have a higher level of Portuguese than A2 (B1, B2, C1 or C2), or
- You are over 60 years old, having a mental handicap or being illiterate


How/Where to register for the exam?

Duration of the exam? How much does it cost?
In jan2021, the test duration is 2 hours, and the cost is 72 €

How can I learn the exam dates?


For more information about CIPLE exam, please visit the CAPLE (Centro de Avaliação Português Língua Estrangeira):
JohnnyPT

Portuguese Language Exams


The Portuguese language proficiency has three stages: A for beginner, B for intermediate, and C for advanced. Each stage has two levels: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2.

Certificação de Português como lingua estrangeira - Exams



CIPLE - A2


The CIPLE exam corresponds to level A2 of the Common European Framework of the Council of Europe for Languages. It attests to a basic general ability to interact in a limited number of predictable everyday communication situations. It is the minimum level required as proof of knowledge of the Portuguese language to obtain the Portuguese nationality.

The exam has three main parts and takes place on the same day.

1. Reading & Writing
This part of the exam lasts 75 minutes and it is about 45% of the exam.
For the reading part, you will read a text such as a piece of news, a simple dialogue, a short story, or a descriptive text. You will then answer questions related to these texts.
For the writing part, you will write a short and simple text. You will use basic phrases to express your feelings or thoughts about yourself or others.

2. Listening
This part of the exam lasts 30 minutes and it is about up 30% of the exam. In this part, you will listen to a simple daily conversation and short sentences. Then you will answer a few questions about what you have just heard.

3. Speaking
Speaking lasts between 10-15 minutes, and it is about 25% of the exam. Usually, this part of the exam is done with two applicants. You will use basic daily structures and phrases while speaking.


What Is the pass grade of A2 CIPLE Language Test?
When you get a mark of 55% or more, you will pass the exam. The details of the grading are as follows:
0-54% : Fail
55-69% : Sufficient
70-84% : Good
85-100% : Very good


Here you can download Sample Test (Prova Modelo) / Exemplo do Exame:
(Bottom of this page)
  • Compreensão da Leitura e Produção e Interação Escritas 
  • Compreensão do Oral
  • CIPLE
  • CIPLE CHAVE



DEPLE - B1


The DEPLE - Diploma Elementar de Português como Língua Estrangeira - corresponds to level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. This level certifies that language users are able to interact in a number of situations of daily communication, work and study that require a largely predictable use of the language.



DIPLE - B2


The DIPLE - Diploma Intermédio de Português como Língua Estrangeira - corresponds to level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.This level gives the user a degree of independence that allows him/her to interact in a wide kind of situations.



DAPLE - C1


The DAPLE - Diploma Avançado de Português como Língua Estrangeira - corresponds to level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. This level recognises an advanced level of knowledge of Portuguese.



DUPLE - C2


The DUPLE - Diploma Universitário de Português como Língua Estrangeira - corresponds to level C2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. It recognises a higher level of knowledge of Portuguese. These users have a communicative high skills, which allows them to use the Portuguese language with great confidence and at ease.
Andrew Rockwell
Dreaming in Português

All of the above is great, but you have to go out and talk to as many people as possible as often as possible.  For extraverts this is easy.

1. Attend a language school and immerse yourself.  I did 5 days a week for 2 hours a day over 10 weeks in Rio de Janeiro 15 years ago.  Total immersion.   In Rio English was rare.  After 2 hours I was exhausted!

2. Refuse to speak English.  If they speak to you in English (assuming they are from Portugal) tell them you have to practice in Português.  Make it a game, they practice English, you practice Português.

3. Get a local boyfriend or girlfriend and only speak Português.  This might not apply to everyone.

4. Make local friends who speak Português.  Avoid your native language.

4a.  Sorry expats, but avoid expats who speak your language.  This will not improve your Português.

5. Go to local bars and restaurants and only speak Português.Strike up a conversation, buy them a drink.  It's an inexpensive lesson and you might just make friends or become a regular.  For extraverts this is easy.

6. Study, study, study.  Get a tutor.  If possible get a tutor and walk around town.  You need to know how real people actually speak Português vs a book.

7. Make Português the house language, if not alone.  15 years later, Português is still our house language even though everyone now speaks English.

8. Sometimes write what you want in Português in case you just can't be understood.  Or use your phone's translator and then speak the translation.

9. Don't be afraid to sound silly, people will help if you try and you're humble.

10. Don't make the ugly American mistake of speaking louder when they don't understand you, they're not deaf, they just can't understand you.

I speak Português with a Brazilian accent.  English with an American accent.  I plan to go to school when we move to Portugal just to understand the differences and "try" to sound "normal".

When we were in Portugal last August, I found the simplest phrases were different.  Like Good Morning. Brazil bom dia sounds like bone gia. Portugal bom dia,   dia  sounded (to me) like dia in Spanish.

I've lived and traveled in many countries.  I found food and wine are good ways to make a connection and make friends.  Portugal has both good food and wine!!  Sometimes speakers of other languages are easier to understand after some wine.  You and the speaker may be more relaxed.

You'll know you've arrived when you can think and dream in Português.
GuestPoster697

@JohnnyPT  Wow Johnny!  So much, really useful information!  Thank you so much for taking the time and effort to put all this on here for us.  I have bookmarked the page and intend referring to it many times.  Thank you again. 1f642.svg1f44c.svg

Hannahmazing
This is extremely helpful!!
Hannahmazing

By the way I can REALLY recommend Por do Sol, it is hilarious - a spoof on telenovelas. I am already on season 2. You can watch FREE (in Portugal) via the links above, and choose either English or Portuguese subtitles. I watch first with English subtitles, and then with Portuguese subtitles. Or sometimes the reverse.

nz7521137

INSTITUTO CAMÕES is very good. I think it is the national institute that promotes the European Portuguese language and culture and it is very well aligned with the other national language institures in Europe (Goethe, Cervantes, Alliance F, ...). My wife has taken classes there and she had great success. Now she has to teach me :).

almirantereis

I second to the power of N  [ where N is a v large number ,  lol ] the praise and congrats  due to Johhny for this wealth of information.


Could it, I wonder, be constructed into a webpage of its own, somewhere ?


Meanwhile, I don't think I noticed mention of   the youtube channel   Portuguese with Leo.    Excellent, mostly short, videos, IN Portuguese, on a  variety of interesting topics, some of which have subtitles  options in both English and Portuguese.   It's free, albeit donations are welcomed on Leo's Patreon channel.   

wcg2

@JohnnyPT Ola! Just want to say Lourinha on the Silver Coast has a senior citizens center that offers Portuguese lessons for foreigners.  The one-hour, in-person class meets once a week, following the local academic calendar.  So it's a nine-month course that starts in September and ends in June. Cost is only 10 euros per month regardless of how many classes you take (they also offer art, theater, history, etc. classes.) I just moved here last month but they are letting me start the course tomorrow.  I love PT! Maybe other municipalities  also offer something similar  through their senior centers (Academia  de Senhorios).

JohnnyPT

Hi wcg2,


Thanks for your post. Just a remark:


Senior centers = academia de seniores

Landlord centers = academia de senhorios (although this does not exist...1f642.svg)

wcg2

@JohnnyPT 🤣😂🤣 Thank you for the correction! Good thing I'm starting lessons! 😁😁

bettinakozlowski

@JohnnyPT I always learn new facts from you, thank you!

beni19

Thanks for the wonderful list to start learning Portuguese


Does anyone know if completing A1/A2 course from public school/IEFP will result in exemption to take CIPLE exam for the purpose fulfilling permanent residency/citizenship requirement ?


Thank you

GuestPoster697

@wcg2 That’s good to know - My husband and I hope to move there (Lagoa de Obidos) after I’ve had an operation next year.  We’re learning online but it will be fun joining a class, as well as an opportunity to meet people. 😊

JohnnyPT

@beni19,


CIPLE exam is mandatory to obtain Portuguese citizenship and corresponds to level A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. But it is not mandatory to attend a preparation course in order to take the exam, you can apply for it whenever you want.


FAQs

https://caple.letras.ulisboa.pt/pagina/2/faq


Exam enrolment

https://caple.letras.ulisboa.pt/inscricao

bestlikefromme

@ JohnnyPT


Ola !


What is your opinion about Google   Portuguese  Translate ?



Is it  European Portuguese or Brazilian  Portuguese ?

JohnnyPT

Google Translate uses Brazilian Portuguese as its base. The translation results in sentences with understandable grammatical constructions but which may not be the Portuguese spoken in Portugal. For example, this translator often uses verb gerunds, widely used in Brazil, but rarely used in Portugal.

Ex. I am speaking with...

Portuguese = estou a falar com...


Brazilian portuguese = estou falando com...

kat15

Yes - Brazilian is more similar to Spanish and easier to learn! What a shame the European Portuguese is more difficult - but still love learning it on Pimsleur & Memrise!

JohnnyPT

Yes - Brazilian is more similar to Spanish and easier to learn! What a shame the European Portuguese is more difficult - but still love learning it on Pimsleur & Memrise!
-@kat15


Brazilian is more similar to Spanish than Portuguese ???


SHAME? Do you know what you are talking about ???


Sometimes people ramble here in their own " lack of knowledge ". This is to avoid using a more aggressive and truthful word here, which could hurt the more sensitive people.... !!

donn25

To be fair, in the particular feature you chose, the Spanish version estoy hablando con (or so says Google translate) resembles Brazilian more than European Portuguese.


That I think is what was meant - "Brazilian is more similar to Spanish [than European is]" -- not "Brazilian is more similar to Spanish [than to Portuguese]."


I guess Portuguese allows ambiguities like this, too? Google seems to be unable to even parse the English -

"Brazilian Portuguese is more similar to Spanish, than is European Portuguese" -> O português do Brasil é mais parecido com espanhol do que o português europeu --it doesn't get the 2nd "is". Same with "deepl". I think "than is" should translate quite literally to "que é", not "do que", and I don't know how else to say it in English.


Of course, it isn't really more similar to Spanish anyway - the pronunciation and prosody are quite divergent. But there's that 'estou falando.'

donn25

... but now I see, Google translate did manage to translate it well.  Had I omitted that 2nd "is", the translation would have ended with "do que com o português europeu."  Absence of that preposition seems like kind of a slender reed to avoid the ambiguity, but at least there's some distinction.

JohnnyPT

@donn25,


Your example follows a misguided logic. In Spain they don't use "estoy hablando con" but "estoy a ablar con" or "hablo con". As in French "je parle avec".


Perhaps they use gerund more frequently in Spanish-speaking Latin America, influenced by Brazilian Portuguese and American English.


I was not correct in saying that in Portugal, verbs in the gerund are not used. Although it is not so common compared to the use in Brazilian Portuguese, the gerund is used in European Portuguese, in the so-called centro-meridional dialects (mainly in the regions of Alentejo and Algarve) and in the island dialects of Madeira and Azores). Otherwise, it is much more common to use the infinitive form, except if you are talking to Brazilians in Portugal.


My advice, the Google translator is useful but it is not a translation reference. Deepl is better, and even that one suggests several options for the same word/phrase, not always the first choice is the best one.

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