Portuguese is currently among the most spoken of languages, being in third place in the western world. It is the official language of Brazil. Portugal, Angola, Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau, Equatorial Guinea, São Tome and Príncipe, Cape Verde and East Timor, which from the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries (CPLP) - one language belonging to more than 250 million native speakers spread across four continents.
In Brazil, the language brought by the Portuguese colonizers embraced the indigenous peoples' culture along with the traditions brought by slaves from different parts of Africa. As these groups began to integrate, the Brazilian version of the Portuguese language evolved into something that has become especially colorful.
Just as happened with, for example, English and Spanish around the world, the Portuguese used in Europe, South America, Africa and Asia has its differences. However, they do not get in the way of our mutual understanding. In Brazil, many visitors want to learn enough of the language to get to know the country and its people, to do business or simply to enjoy our music. Actually, it seems that everything that has to do with Brazil today attracts attention, including Portuguese. For those with plans to live and work here, understanding the language helps untangle everyday life, adding spice to the Brazilian experience.
Nowadays, learning Portuguese has become a valuable "ace up the sleeve" especially for those expatriates who take up positions in other Portuguese speaking countries after Brazil. Not surprisingly, they can read documents, take part in meetings and interact with their new co-workers as well as local authorities from day one. Sometimes they find their way back to Brazil with new projects and assignments or, when the time comes, to retire.
In Brazil, you may get lucky and meet people who can speak English and with whom you can chat and even make new friends. However, the overwhelming majority of Brazilians are not really able to interact fluently in other languages. Away from hotels, restaurants, up-market shops, and outside the multinational offices, you will see for yourself that any new word can be worth its weight in gold. Once in Brazil, you will be totally surrounded by Brazilian Portuguese.
Bibliographic Reference
Denise Lima. Power Portuguese: Brazilian Portuguese in 5 Steps. pages 13 and 14.
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