Studying and learning Portuguese requires dedication and effort! There is no miracle method and no single, perfect strategy for learning Portuguese. But there are very effective and indispensable practices that should be followed by everyone who wants to learn Portuguese.
10 TIPS TO IMPROVE YOUR PORTUGUESE
Learning a language, and Portuguese in particular, is like taking a long trip. It requires mental availability, preparation and dedication to go a long way. The journey may take a while, but with effort and consistency, the destination will be reached! You need to have a plan and a strategy to learn Portuguese. Here are our tips!
INTENSIVE PORTUGUESE COURSE
Start your learning process with an Intensive Portuguese course at the A1 level. By participating in this training option, you will learn the basics of the Portuguese language and understand how the language “works. Look for a 30-hour course and count on another 20 hours of homework.
PORTUGUESE CONVERSATION CLASSES
After finishing your A1 level course in Portuguese, it is essential to maintain contact with the Portuguese language. Upon finishing the first level of the language, the student must immediately start speaking Portuguese. But conversing in Portuguese with only the A1 level is not easy. But it is possible with an experienced teacher who knows how to organize your Portuguese class. From level A2 on, the student should look for a Portuguese course or classes focused on conversation. More than 70% of the class should be based on conversation.
PODCASTS IN PORTUGUESE ADJUSTED TO THE LEVEL OF EACH STUDENT
The ability to understand language is crucial in students’ progress. Thus, it is crucial for Portuguese students to improve their ability to understand the Portuguese language. The problem is that an A2 level student still doesn’t have many opportunities to converse because his or her Portuguese level is still NOT good enough to do so comfortably. How to improve? By listening to podcasts!
WRITE SHORT TEXTS IN PORTUGUESE
Being able to communicate in Portuguese when your level is only A2 (or B1.1) is also a skill that must be developed. It is important that students communicate with short sentences and simple ideas. To develop this skill, write a few sentences in Portuguese every day. This is a great strategy! Use simple words, phrases and ideas. Be consistent. Write almost every day a few paragraphs about your daily routines. If you do this you will be surprised at the results and the progress!
READ SHORT STORIES IN PORTUGUESE
Don’t try to read a novel in Portuguese if your level is below level C1. Read short stories adjusted to your level. There are some very good books on the market for students of Portuguese. Read texts with 2 or 3 pages. Analyze the text carefully, explore the words and structures you don’t understand. Then tell the story to your teacher so that he/she can correct your speaking errors. It is an activity that will significantly improve your ability to communicate in Portuguese.
PRACTICE PORTUGUESE WITH OUR QUIZLET
QUIZLET is a platform used by the Lisbon Language Café which allows our students to maintain daily contact with the Portuguese language. QUIZLET has several activities that allow you to increase your vocabulary and also to practice your writing and listening skills. Try it now!
CHOOSE AN EXPERIENCED PORTUGUESE TEACHER
The learning ability of each student is the most important element in the speed of learning Portuguese. But finding a good and experienced Portuguese teacher is also fundamental to your success in learning Portuguese. Look for and find a teacher who uses conversation to consolidate grammar in a natural way. And by the way, avoid those teachers who spend most of their time making grammar sheets!
BE CONSISTENT and study at home
Don’t think that you will learn Portuguese and become fluent in one or two weeks. Start your learning with an intensive course. Then study 3 or 4 hours a week every week. Do homework. If you don’t, you will not progress. After you finish your crash course, have one or two hours of lessons (private or in small groups) with a teacher. The rest of the study do it on your own.
FIND YOUR RHYTHM AND YOUR STRATEGIES
Every Portuguese student is unique. It is important that each student find his or her own strategy, pace and activities that best fit their personality. Some students love to do podcasts in Portuguese and make great progress with this tool. Other students prefer to talk and consolidate a lot of content through conversation classes. There are still other students who feel a great need to understand grammar perfectly. Among Portuguese students, there are examples for everything and everyone. Search and find your way!
BE REALISTIC
No one knows your own strengths and weaknesses better than you. Based on your knowledge of yourself, create achievable and realistic goals! Don’t be too ambitious in learning your Portuguese. If you are too ambitious, you run the risk of becoming disillusioned or of entering a process of fatigue and demotivation with the Portuguese language! As the old Portuguese saying goes, “Go slowly to arrive quickly!”
Click HERE for all information about our Portuguese classes