The language is gorgeous!
Is there a better reason to learn a language than for pure pleasure? The Portuguese language, especially as it’s spoken in Brazil, is possibly the most mellifluous, honey-smooth mode of communication on Earth. It simply sounds like music and is a joy to listen to, but it’s an even greater pleasure when you can also understand and take part in the sonorous, lilting song that is the Portuguese language. No wonder Portugal and Brazil have such rich musical traditions. Fado, Bossa Nova, Choro, Tropicália, Samba… the music is a great entry point into the language, and singing along is a very good way to improve your listening and pronunciation skills.
250 million people can’t be wrong!
Portuguese is the sixth most spoken language worldwide, with 250 million native speakers — mostly in Portugal and Brazil, but also in several African countries. There are also almost a million native-Portuguese speakers in the USA.
To have a “secret” language advantage
Despite the high number of native speakers, few people choose to learn Portuguese as a second language (compared to other global languages like Spanish and English) — only 35 million people worldwide. But this lack of interest in Portuguese is a lucrative opportunity for the clever few who choose to learn it. By learning the language, you will be setting yourself apart from everyone else wanting to bolster their CVs and improve their job prospects with more popular languages.
It’s your gateway to all the other Romance languages
Understanding Portuguese has a knock-on effect when starting to learn any other Romance language like Spanish, Italian, French and Romanian. Knowledge of one makes it much easier to pick up any of the others, since they all evolved from Latin and still share grammar and syntax, and have lots of similar vocabulary.
Learning Portuguese opens up worlds of travel opportunities
Portuguese is spoken in some very popular tourist destinations. If you enjoy beautiful beaches or enchanting rainforests, learning Portuguese can help you on your next trip to Brazil.
Prefer European destinations? Portugal is popular with tourists for its beauty and affordability.
It will help you connect with rich cultures.
Portugal’s history of exploration brought together food, culture and products from around the world, so Portuguese-speaking regions tend to have intriguing cultures enriched by this diversity. For instance, Brazil is shaped by the various groups that have inhabited the region. There are notable Portuguese, African and Indigenous influences. Waves of immigrants from Italy, Germany, Spain, Japan, Poland and more have further added to the dynamic nature of Brazilian culture.
This creates an intriguing and lively culture that is completely unique from every other culture in the world.
Similarly, Portugal’s culture is marked by diverse influences. An array of different groups passed through the area, so Portugal has been influenced by Roman, Germanic, Moorish, Viking and countless other cultures. This unique mix contributes to delicious Portuguese food, unique architecture and rich musical heritage.
Brazil and Portugal are just the tip of the iceberg! Each Portuguese-speaking region has its own history and culture, so you will never be at a loss for new cultures to explore by using your Portuguese skills. Learning Portuguese can help you enjoy these unique cultures on a deeper level.