Portuguese Language in Brazil

Among the top three languages spoken in Brazil, the Portuguese language is the main language spoken Brazil. Other languages include; German, Spanish, Italian, French, English, and other native languages like Xavante and Tikύna.T

he Portuguese language became the main language spoken in Brazil of the discovery of Christopher Columbus in the 15th century. Columbus has discovered a new land which led to stiff competition between Spain and Portugal.

However, in a bid to make the competition tougher, Spain through the help of the then Spanish Pope – Alexander VI, got the right to all the land west of the divide through the Treaty of Tordesillas in 1949 while Portugal got for the east. 

By this, Spain colonized several of what is today known as Latin America whereas Portugal colonized the land which was found to be a rich source of the valuable Brazilwood – and that was where Brazil got its name. 

What Is The Official Language Of Brazil?

Portuguese is the official language spoken in Brazil. Interestingly, about 98 percent of people living in Brazil speak the Portuguese language, and as such has become the language of government, used in schools for teaching, and has eventually become inseparable from the daily life of citizens.

Surprisingly, the English language is not a popular language spoken in Brazil with only about 5 percent (around 10 million people) of the entire population being able to communicate in the English language.

Differences Between Brazilian Portuguese and European Portuguese?

The Portuguese language in Brazil is different from the European Portuguese in several ways. Some of the differences can be found in sound changes and a difference in verb conjugation and syntax.

Some of these differences can also be identified in the accents, spellings, and grammar, vocabulary, formal and informal speech.

Accents: Due to its open vowels, the Brazilian Portuguese is phonetically pleasing to the ears, therefore making it easy to be understood and easy to learn. 

Spellings and grammar: For example – the word reception is spelled "recepcão" in Brazilian Portuguese while it is spelled "recepcão” under European Portuguese. Besides, Portuguese speakers in Brazil have found creative ways of converting some nouns into verbs. 

For instance, "dar os parabens" in European Portuguese changes to "parabenizar" in Brazilian Portuguese. Also, the Portuguese language spoken in Brazil can easily assimilate foreign words. For instance, the word “Media” is written as “Midia” in Brazilian Portuguese – it ignores the Latin origin of the word and uses its American English version.

Examples of some vocabulary differences between Brazilian Portuguese and the European Portuguese are;

Bus 

BP - Onibus

EP – Autocarro

Cup

BP - Xicara

EP – Chavena

Brown

BP - Marrom

EP – Castanho

Ice Cream

BP - Sorvete

EP – Gelado

Train

BP - Trem

EP – Comboio

However, some of these differences could lead to a communication gap but this can be resolved if questions are asked. 

The Portuguese language spoken in Brazil has evolved over the years as a result of historical, cultural, and a difference in lifestyle which makes it slightly different from the European Portuguese.

What Language Should I Adopt When Visiting Brazil? 

 Are you an English speaker and you intend to go to Brazil? Then you learn to speak the Portuguese language. It is one of the easiest languages to learn because it is fascinating – so there should be no trouble having a grip on the language.

Final Thoughts

Brazil is home to several other minority languages which include other indigenous languages. This is outside the Brazilian national language (Brazilian Portuguese). Also, other native Portuguese speakers have nothing to worry about as they will still be able to communicate, read books, and do every other thing in the same Portuguese language.