How to Speak Like a True Brazilian

Listen to author Daniel Baker as he shares some of his experiences learning Brazilian Portuguese. And after having read this article You too will be ready to speak like a true Brazilian after having read this article.

I have been speaking Brazilian Portuguese since 2007 - fluently. You can trust me on this one Vern. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to learn how. But, what works for one person may not for another. So, Take this into consideration before implementing any of my tips. Through many trials and errors I forged upon learning for the first time. And after 5 years of puzzled and bewildered looks from friendly native speaking Brazilians, I think I am finally ready to divulge a few tips and tricks of my own. Now that I've earned my respects as the title "gringo", I can pass on my knowledge to you.

I started out shaky when I began learning Portuguese. I really wasn't sure of my ability to learn a second language. I would make an attempt to pronounce a word and then think to myself "wow! that sounds awkward". How about the word difícil (difficult)? Go ahead and take a stab at it. It's actually pronounced like: geefeeseao with emphasis on í. When we are in the process of learning a foreign language, it may seem awkward because of the fact that we use different muscles from the mouth. Think of this like your first time learning to lift weights. It may seem funny and unnatural at first. But, with a little repetition, it gets easier and more natural.

1. Mirror
2. Recorder
3. Native speaker

Sit in front of a mirror and practice your pronunciations. Observe as you speak each word out loud to yourself. Pay particular attention to each syllable or accent. Accents will be stressed different from other syllables. For example; the accented letter ó will be pronounced with the mouth open. On the other hand, the letter ô is pronounced normally; however, almost all accents will be emphasised. Another example would be; on the syllable of any word ending with a vowel plus the consonant l. Remember the pronunciation of difícil = geefeeseao. Once again, the trailing il pronounced like an O.

It would also be a good idea to practice recording yourself in front of a microphone. Then, you could play it back, listen and compare yourself with native speakers. One of my preferences, when I was learning, was to send my recording to one of my Brazilian contacts at LiveMocha to get his opinion.

As I mentioned in suggestion #2, if you get yourself a Brazilian pen pal, you have a great opportunity to get some real live critique. Hey? it doesn't even have to be a Brazilian. Perhaps you of someone who spent a considerable time in Brazil learning and conversing with the locals. There are plenty of resources [websites] on the internet where you can get some helpful advise from people who speak the language well.

My 4th suggestion will be: relax. It is true that those who possess a calm demeanor or who are more relaxed when they learn are those who achieve the highest degree of perfection in their pronunciation.