Why Learning Portuguese from Portugal Matters: A Friend’s Guide to Avoid Duolingo
Hi dear students, let’s explore a Guide to Avoid Duolingo
So, you’re planning to live in Portugal and want to learn the language?
That’s fantastic! Being able to communicate fluently with the locals will undoubtedly enrich your experience.
Now, when it comes to language learning, there are plenty of resources available,
but I have some advice I’d like to share with you as a friend who wants the best for you.
Let’s talk about Duolingo, the popular language learning app.
While Duolingo has gained significant popularity worldwide,
it’s important to consider some aspects before relying solely on it for learning Portuguese from Portugal.
Understanding the Importance of European Portuguese
First and foremost, Duolingo teaches a more generalized version of Portuguese, often referred to as Brazilian Portuguese.
While the basics and overall structure of the language are similar,
there are noticeable differences between Brazilian Portuguese and the European Portuguese spoken in Portugal.
These differences go beyond just accent and pronunciation; vocabulary, grammar, and idiomatic expressions can vary significantly.
The Limitations of Duolingo for European Portuguese
Living in Portugal means immersing yourself in the local culture, interacting with locals, and building meaningful connections.
To truly connect with the Portuguese people, it’s crucial to learn the language in its authentic form, as it is spoken in Portugal.
By learning European Portuguese from the start, you’ll have a better grasp of the nuances and subtleties that make up the language.
You will have to unlearn bad habits, it will cost you a lot of time, and it will make you feel bad by being using the language incorrectly.
You will be disappointed when you could have start learning the correct way from the beginning.
Imagine the difference on sounding polite to impolite just by using a wrong conjugation that you learned from Duolingo,
and many other nuances that completely have a different meaning behind it.
Benefits of Learning European Portuguese from the Start
Moreover, when it comes to practicality, European Portuguese is the official language of Portugal.
In daily life, you’ll encounter signs, documents, and conversations in European Portuguese.
By learning the language in its local form, you’ll be better equipped to navigate everyday situations,
whether it’s understanding official forms, interacting with authorities, or simply engaging in casual conversations with locals.
You will know which conjugations to use properly.
When to be formal and informal.
The right gender of the nouns.
You will impress your friends and family by applying your speaking skills like a native Portuguese citizen.
By showing effort, your neighbors, friends, and family will be delighted with your consistency.
Exploring Alternatives for Learning European Portuguese
Now, you might be wondering, “What are the alternatives?”
It’s easier than it looks.
Luckily, we have many resources explained in detail available that focus specifically on European Portuguese.
Language courses, both online and in-person, provide structured lessons tailored to the European Portuguese dialect.
These courses often include interactive exercises, cultural insights, and opportunities for conversation practice with native speakers.
We have all the tools that a student need to learn and practice our beautiful language from zero to upper intermediate.
If you are planning to take CIPLE exams in Portugal we got you covered,
either on our platform or on private sessions 1-1 you can book a trial session for 15€ (1 hour).
Immersion in Portuguese Culture for Language Learning
Additionally, immersing yourself in Portuguese culture can greatly enhance your language learning experience.
Engage in conversations with locals, watch Portuguese TV shows or movies, listen to Portuguese music,
and read books or newspapers written in European Portuguese.
All of these activities will expose you to the language as it’s actually spoken in Portugal, helping you develop an authentic understanding and accent.
Conclusion
Remember, the goal is to connect with the people, culture, and lifestyle of Portugal in the most authentic way possible.
By learning European Portuguese from the start, you’ll embark on a linguistic journey that aligns with your ultimate goal of living in Portugal.
So, let’s explore the resources available for learning European Portuguese, enroll in a language course at letslearnportuguese,
and dive into the rich and beautiful language that awaits us in Portugal.
Hope you like the Guide to Avoid Duolingo.
Wishing you all the best on this exciting adventure!
Your trustworthy Private tutor, Carlos Jesus
