Portuguese is one of the top ten languages being spoken today. It is widely used in South America especially in Brazil. This unique language is often referred to as sweet-sounding and very beautiful. There is no wonder why many people today would like to learn Portuguese and use it as their second language. However, learning a new language can be very difficult, especially if you’re much older and no longer accustomed to sitting down and memorizing new words and phrases. While most adults deal with this learning curve, this shouldn’t stop you from being able to speak Portuguese. There are now Portuguese language courses available online that make it easier than ever to learn and adapt this wonderful language.
To learn how to speak Portuguese, you need not learn their whole vocabulary. The easiest and fastest way to learn the language is by understanding and using words and phrases normally used in your day to day life. Once you’ve become accustomed to the common words, learning will be even faster. This is the idea behind the Portuguese language lessons. They give you the basics first and make sure you’re comfortable with them, and then it slowly advances you to more complex conversations.
The Rosetta Stone Level 1 Portuguese Course is all about introducing you into a natural way of learning Portuguese in the same way that Brazilians use the language in their daily conversations. This language lesson utilizes a recognized technique that will not only help you understand the language, but also comprehend both spoken and written form of the language without the stresses brought about by having to memorize and translating so much every time.
Do you remember how you first learned your native language? It comes very naturally and most likely you didn’t have a hard time learning it. This course applies the same concept and encouraging you to use what comes naturally to you when it comes to learning. Level 1 will walk you through the lesson so that during its entirety, using the Portuguese language becomes more natural to you and encourage you to use the language confidently. You will also be able to apply learning through different mediums like language-building games, using your phone to listen in to conversations and there is even a social aspect to your education.
Now that level 1 has established a framework for your Portuguese learning, Level 2 of the Rosetta Stone Portuguese Course continues to teach you about using the language to describe your external world and your surroundings. Level 2 is all about interacting with other people. This is especially useful if you’re a tourist and you need to get directions or you would like to invite them for lunch or a party. This next course will help you develop both the spoken and written skill you need to properly convey your message to other people.
The Level 2 lessons can teach you the ability to talk to other people without using a cheat sheet or a script. It also future builds on your vocabulary, on top of what you’ve already learned in Level 1. After this course, you’ll be able to ask for and give directions, be able to go around the town and understand signages, and of course talk to other people to get information.
Now that you have a solid grasp of Portuguese, it is time to round out your knowledge and understanding. The level 3 of the Rosetta Stone Portuguese course gives you even more ways for you to be able to express yourself in a foreign language. Using what you’ve already learned in the previous 2 levels, level 3 enhances your comprehension of Portuguese so that you can engage in in-depth discussions, share your feelings and be able to hold a conversation on almost any topic.
This course still implements the same Dynamic Immersion method where in you utilize your natural learning ability making it easier to understand new concepts. It also guides you when it comes to the correct pronunciation and intonation of the words. Using its speech-recognition technology, you can accurately pronounce each syllable which gives you confidence when speaking in Portuguese.
Apart from these courses, there are also available Portuguese language lessons from Pimsleur. This company has been well known for their easy to use and understand lessons, but they break up the lessons into 30-minute intervals as not to overwhelm the student.
The Pimsleur Language Programs for Portuguese is very easy to use and manage at the same time. The the teaching style is also very informal and relies on setting up conversations so that you won’t get intimidated or stressed when learning something new. It also helps you to easily recognize sentences or phrases when used in a conversation, thus giving you the confidence to be able to give a prompt reply, instead of stressing about translating it in your mind.
The first program is a beginner’s lesson into the basics. A third of the program is dedicated into helping you learn to make simple statements like “Hello”, “My Name is”, “Goodbye” and much more. Another third is for additional vocabulary and building on the basics. The last few lessons will be all about holding a simple conversation on your own based on what you’ve learned so far. This includes normal small talk and helping you socialize more. At this point, you are already considered to have an intermediate knowledge of the language.
The second program expands on the first and helping you sound more like the native speakers of Portuguese making you sound more natural. At this point, you have a firm grasp of the language making sure you can promptly respond to most conversational starters.
The third Pimsleur Language Program allows you to dive into the more complex side of the language and gives you a way to engage into more important types of conversations. After this program, you’ll not only be good at speaking Portuguese, you’ll be able to sound just like one of the natives.
Apart from these language learning courses, there are other materials available for you when it comes to improving your learning experience when speaking Portugese. There’s the Rick Steves’ Spanish & Portuguese Phrase Book & Dictionary and the O Meu Primeiro Dicionario (First Fun Dictionary- Portuguese Translation). These books offer insightful and entertaining information that can be useful as you complete your lessons.
Learning a new language like Portuguese isn’t such a difficult thing to do. The important thing here is that you have the right tools to help you succeed and learn.