I thought there was a slight difference in the two, but I didn't realize it was that different. Is there anything that focuses on Brazilian Portuguese? So how much different are the two? Is this something I shouldn't be learning?

Is it something like our north and south or is it more complicated? I am a Texan by birth, southern raised, and a recent transplant (unhappily) to New York. I was amazed at the number of phrases we use that the northerners had never heard and had no idea what we were talking about. Not that it is the same thing I am sure, but funny.

Hello Aloha,

Portuguese and Brazilian Portuguese can be very different (in pronunciation, spelling and usage of words). The difference would be something like English from Britain and English from the US.

From the link you sent, for example, when they ask "where someone is from", they say "De onde e?", if someone said this to me, I wouldn't known they are asking where I am from, the phase seem to be missing the complement... here we would say "De onde voce e?".
"De onde e?" sound as an incomplete phase and could be "De onde e sua mae", "De onde e sua roupa"...

My husband subscribed this Bitesized Portuguse website. You can have 1 month trial, if you like you can subscribe. It's Brazilian Portuguese and you can also hear the lesson in the website (Brazilian Pronunciation):

http://portuguese.bitesizedlanguages.com/

Hi. I have been speaking Portuguese lazily with my husband for about 4 years now and I am getting pretty good at it.

The keys for me have been to practice and never be embarrassed or ashamed to ask how to say something... and to let people correct me.

There is a computer program that is pretty good, it helps with basic vocabulary and pronunciation. It is called Before you know it. the website is www.byki.com. I got the free trial and loved it. You can hear the words pronounced, and you can slow down the pronunciation until you get it.

The other thing I do is watch free tv at globo.com. I also chat at yahoo.com.br.

Just remember, Portuguese in Brasil is VERY different than Portuguese in Portugul. The Portuguese speak very guttorally and the Brasileiros kind of sing their way through life.

Good luck!

Hey Aloha!

My only tip about learning a language is to NOT BE TOO SHY! Really, I think I could have learned double what I know if I hadn't been so timid. Just remember - People usually think its really great that you're learning their language and culture and are pround to teach you! Of course your going to mess up! Just laugh when you do and let them correct you.

Also, try to search online for a Brasilian Cultural Association in your city! The one here in Calgary (www.bcaab.ca) throws alot of parties and events where there are tons of Brasilians that show up to socialize. Just go to them and practice speaking - or even just order a drink in portuguese.

IF you're re really interested, get in contact with the association and see if anyone could tutor you!

Kdarocha:

I like that phrase "singing through life". We'd all be much happier if we all did that!