This is just an example (but blank) Languages Tips article. Because it has a "Tags" value that includes "Languages Tips", It should appear in the Languages Tips subsection of the Reading Room area. It is is such a short article that I will repeat it a few times, to fill in the page. Enjoy! This is just an example (but blank) Languages Tips. Because it has a "Tags" value that includes "Languages Tips", It should appear in the Languages Tips subsection of the Reading Room area. It is is such a short article that I will repeat it a few times, to fill in the page. Enjoy! 

This is just an example (but blank) Languages Tips. Because it has a "Tags" value that includes "Languages Tips", It should appear in the Languages Tips subsection of the Reading Room area. It is is such a short article that I will repeat it a few times, to fill in the page. Enjoy! This is just an example (but blank) Languages Tips. Because it has a "Tags" value that includes "Languages Tips", It should appear in the Languages Tips subsection of the Reading Room area. It is is such a short article that I will repeat it a few times, to fill in the page. Enjoy! This is just an example (but blank) Languages Tips. Because it has a "Tags" value that includes "Languages Tips", It should appear in the Languages Tips subsection of the Reading Room area. It is is such a short article that I will repeat it a few times, to fill in the page. Enjoy! This is just an example (but blank) Languages Tips. Because it has a "Tags" value that includes "Languages Tips", It should appear in the Languages Tips subsection of the Reading Room area. It is is such a short article that I will repeat it a few times, to fill in the page. Enjoy!  

There is so much about language that is connected to culture, so if you really want improve your learning chances, you must spend some time exploring the culture of your target language. Here is a link to my Portuguese learners to explore:https://www.facebook.com/br4sileirissimos/info/…

perder o pique/ ter o maior pique  What does it mean?

So you have started the New Year full of good intensions, and by now you already feel you may be losing your motivation… that is what “perder o pique” means in Portuguese. One loses focus, the energy, the drive to get something done. On the other hand, if you’re in high drive, getting what needs to be done you may be described as someone “com o maior pique”. I sure have a least one suggesting to get you going:

http://www.radio.uol.com.br/#/letras-e-musicas/marco-aur/musica-na-cabeca/4262189

So what does it mean, "sem lenço e sem documento"?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmK9GylXRh0

http://letras.mus.br/caetano-veloso/43867/

If you translate this word by word, it would mean “going out without ahandkerchief or your driver’s license.

That probably would not make sense to any English speaker. You've got understand what is behind this expression. It means going out without any planning, on the spur of the moment. It also has another meaning in the context the song I had used as an example was written.  During the sixties, Brazil was under a very repressive military regime and many songs had a political message, a sort of disguised protest. So Caetano cleverly plays with the words, because back then going out without your ID meant you could be arrested randomly, and even be accused of being a “subversive”. Torture was a common way to quiet down the unruly youth…many people were sent to jail, and many others went missing. So if you do want know more about Brazilian culture, an the Portuguese language, please contact me.

Eliane

Á toa = without  plans, care-free

“Estava á toa na vida, o meu amor me chamou, para ver a banda passar cantando coisas de amor”  (Chico Buarque)

Music is a great way to learn a language! You can improve your vocabulary, pronunciation, pitch and tone, and all of that having fun! Try to seek classics, such as Bossa Nova, MPB or even older tunes with a slower beat. The goal here is to be able to hear the words, and internalize them as you go. Besides, you can learn about the Brazilian culture and have a “conversation starter” with natives the next time you need one!

Here is the link:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZWcpEgJZAY

http://www.npr.org/2014/06/18/323166074/troubles-put-aside-brazilians-embrace-world-cup?ft=1&f=323166074

If you want to learn Portuguese, you got to learn a little bit about soccer. It is such a huge part of our culture. Enjoy this piece, it also has a few natives talking. 

Naysayer:  “one who denies, refuses, opposes, or is skeptical or cynical about something”, em outras palavras, “ser do contra”, objetar ou opor-se. Veja alguns exemplos:

There are always the naysayers who says nothing can be done. But only visionaries can see the many possibilities.

Tem sempre aqueles que são do contra e acreditam que nada possa ser feito. Mas somente os visionários podem ver várias  possibilidades.

Eliane

Language learning requires an understanding of the culture in which a particular language is used. Of course one must learn grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, but most importantly, one needs to understand  what is behind the language, that is, the culture. Since we can't all travel, and immerse ourselves in another culture, we try to offer what we call  "cultural bites". Small bites are consisted of segments of information created to fill this gap making communication more effective and fun. Check out my posts and keep on learning, you will be amazed how much you will learn over a small period of time.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Inside-Culture/350771358390018

Learning a language is a constant process, the more you expose your mind to the laguage you want to learn, the faster you will get results. Check my posts on Inside Culture Facebook page for my weekly articles. They are short, easy to read, and little by little you will expand your word power.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Inside-Culture/350771358390018

Music is culture! Here is a bit of Brazilian and Portuguese music for you to enjoy. One of the songs actually has the lyrics so you can follow along. Another interesting part of this piece is the fact that the singers are from Portugal, so you can be exposed to another accent. Again, this amazing blending of cultures makes language learning so fun! And if you feel like reading a bit in Portuguese, this small  article in one of the best Brazilian Newspapers may be a good start:

http://www1.folha.uol.com.br/ilustrada/2014/05/1457519-portugues-tiago-bettencourt-lanca-disco-com-musica-que-cita-jobim-ouca.shtml

 Enjoy it!