I think many people are drawn to approaches that make language learning feel more approachable and connected to real daily life rather than overly academic or intimidating, Steph. Consistency and comfort often matter more than perfection, especially over the long term. CW
I’ve found that too. Even small efforts to speak Portuguese are often met with tremendous kindness and encouragement, especially when approached with humility and a willingness to keep learning. I think “Estamos a aprender português” has probably carried many of us through countless conversations along the way. - CW
You’re very welcome, Lisa. I’m glad the article and the resource resonated with so many readers. The comments have reminded me how many of us are navigating the same language-learning journey in Portugal. - CW
Thank you Carol….you described the struggle so well! I love the DailyNata as well as Learn Portuguese Today (another Substack newsletter) for its practical approach to learning the language. https://substack.com/@learnportuguesetoday
Thank you, Diane. I think many of us underestimate how emotionally complicated language learning can feel once real life, routines, and daily conversations become part of the process. And thank you as well for mentioning Learn Portuguese Today. I suspect readers appreciate hearing about different approaches and resources, especially those focused on practical, everyday European Portuguese. - CW
Thank you for telling us about this option! Obrigada! I have started studying Portuguese, but finding a true European tool can be difficult. A friend told me the best phrase to learn was "Fale devagar por favor!" There is also a YouTube channel called Talk the Streets that a Portuguese woman started that has great material on it - tv shows, lessons, etc. https://www.youtube.com/@TalktheStreets
That really is an important distinction, Rhetta. Finding resources specifically focused on European Portuguese can sometimes feel harder than the learning itself. And “Fale devagar por favor” may honestly be one of the most practical phrases any of us can learn. Thank you as well for mentioning Talk the Streets. I suspect many readers here are always looking for additional ways to immerse themselves in the language beyond traditional lessons. - CW
Yes to this! I’m married to a Portuguese from the Açores so it feels like I’m learning two languages most days. The struggle is real and continues on, and yet … there are those magical days when a word or a phrase connects and a feeling of amazement hits, then it’s back to reality.
I smiled reading this, Michael. “Two languages most days” feels very believable from everything I’ve heard about Açorean Portuguese. And I know exactly what you mean about those occasional moments when something suddenly clicks and you realize you understood a phrase naturally without translating it in your head first. Those small moments can feel disproportionately encouraging, right up until the next conversation humbles us again. - CW
Obrigada por isto! ...or is it isso, LOL. I get into my learning, then life happens; I take a few days away or friends come to visit, and it is so easy to stay out of learning for longer than I intended.
I laughed at this , Michelle, because I think many of us have had the “isto or isso?” moment more times than we would like to admit. And yes, life has a way of interrupting even the best intentions with language learning. Visitors arrive, routines change, travel happens, and suddenly a few missed days turns into a few weeks. I suspect that is far more common than most people admit, myself included. - CW
I’ll check out the website. I feel like my language has stalled lately. I know words but still struggle with putting together proper sentences. And understanding Portuguese feels harder lately. I’ll catch a word or two but have no idea what’s being said. It’s been really frustrating.
I completely understand this feeling, Lani. I think there comes a point where many of us know enough Portuguese to recognize words and pieces of conversations, but not enough to process everything quickly in real time. That middle stage can feel surprisingly discouraging because it seems like we “should” be further along by then. I have gone through those same stretches myself. Sometimes I think simply continuing to engage with the language - even imperfectly - matters more than feeling fluent every day. - CW
Obrigada! I too find myself going in and out of learning Portuguese. I find Portuguese to be a difficult language to learn, and many of my Portuguese friends agree that it is not easy. I signed up for the free Daily Nata. Perhaps this will help me to keep going and not get discouraged.
Thank you, Jeanne. I think many of us go through those cycles of motivation, frustration, progress, and then stepping away for awhile before trying again. Portuguese really is a challenging language, especially once you move beyond basic phrases into listening and conversation. I suspect part of what helps is simply realizing we are not the only ones struggling with it. I hope DailyNata gives you a gentle way to keep going without feeling overwhelmed. - CW
I really appreciate all of this Carol!
Thank you, Laurie. I think language learning is rarely a straight line, so I’m glad this resonated with you. - CW
Thanks Carol. I like Practice Portuguese for the same reason- a more practical and less intimidating approach
I think many people are drawn to approaches that make language learning feel more approachable and connected to real daily life rather than overly academic or intimidating, Steph. Consistency and comfort often matter more than perfection, especially over the long term. CW
My go to phrase is: Estamos a aprender português….um pouco.
Once it is understood that we are learning the language, even though it is quickly obvious we are beginners, much grace is extended.
I’ve found that too. Even small efforts to speak Portuguese are often met with tremendous kindness and encouragement, especially when approached with humility and a willingness to keep learning. I think “Estamos a aprender português” has probably carried many of us through countless conversations along the way. - CW
Carol, thank you for sharing this website!
You’re very welcome, Lisa. I’m glad the article and the resource resonated with so many readers. The comments have reminded me how many of us are navigating the same language-learning journey in Portugal. - CW
Thank you Carol….you described the struggle so well! I love the DailyNata as well as Learn Portuguese Today (another Substack newsletter) for its practical approach to learning the language. https://substack.com/@learnportuguesetoday
Thank you, Diane. I think many of us underestimate how emotionally complicated language learning can feel once real life, routines, and daily conversations become part of the process. And thank you as well for mentioning Learn Portuguese Today. I suspect readers appreciate hearing about different approaches and resources, especially those focused on practical, everyday European Portuguese. - CW
Thank you for telling us about this option! Obrigada! I have started studying Portuguese, but finding a true European tool can be difficult. A friend told me the best phrase to learn was "Fale devagar por favor!" There is also a YouTube channel called Talk the Streets that a Portuguese woman started that has great material on it - tv shows, lessons, etc. https://www.youtube.com/@TalktheStreets
That really is an important distinction, Rhetta. Finding resources specifically focused on European Portuguese can sometimes feel harder than the learning itself. And “Fale devagar por favor” may honestly be one of the most practical phrases any of us can learn. Thank you as well for mentioning Talk the Streets. I suspect many readers here are always looking for additional ways to immerse themselves in the language beyond traditional lessons. - CW
Yes to this! I’m married to a Portuguese from the Açores so it feels like I’m learning two languages most days. The struggle is real and continues on, and yet … there are those magical days when a word or a phrase connects and a feeling of amazement hits, then it’s back to reality.
I smiled reading this, Michael. “Two languages most days” feels very believable from everything I’ve heard about Açorean Portuguese. And I know exactly what you mean about those occasional moments when something suddenly clicks and you realize you understood a phrase naturally without translating it in your head first. Those small moments can feel disproportionately encouraging, right up until the next conversation humbles us again. - CW
Obrigada por isto! ...or is it isso, LOL. I get into my learning, then life happens; I take a few days away or friends come to visit, and it is so easy to stay out of learning for longer than I intended.
I laughed at this , Michelle, because I think many of us have had the “isto or isso?” moment more times than we would like to admit. And yes, life has a way of interrupting even the best intentions with language learning. Visitors arrive, routines change, travel happens, and suddenly a few missed days turns into a few weeks. I suspect that is far more common than most people admit, myself included. - CW
I’ll check out the website. I feel like my language has stalled lately. I know words but still struggle with putting together proper sentences. And understanding Portuguese feels harder lately. I’ll catch a word or two but have no idea what’s being said. It’s been really frustrating.
I completely understand this feeling, Lani. I think there comes a point where many of us know enough Portuguese to recognize words and pieces of conversations, but not enough to process everything quickly in real time. That middle stage can feel surprisingly discouraging because it seems like we “should” be further along by then. I have gone through those same stretches myself. Sometimes I think simply continuing to engage with the language - even imperfectly - matters more than feeling fluent every day. - CW
Obrigada! I too find myself going in and out of learning Portuguese. I find Portuguese to be a difficult language to learn, and many of my Portuguese friends agree that it is not easy. I signed up for the free Daily Nata. Perhaps this will help me to keep going and not get discouraged.
Thank you, Jeanne. I think many of us go through those cycles of motivation, frustration, progress, and then stepping away for awhile before trying again. Portuguese really is a challenging language, especially once you move beyond basic phrases into listening and conversation. I suspect part of what helps is simply realizing we are not the only ones struggling with it. I hope DailyNata gives you a gentle way to keep going without feeling overwhelmed. - CW