Nine months into my Portuguese acquisition adventure, I’ve learned that purpose, persistence and patience lead to proficiency…and some unexpected benefits.
I embarked on this endeavor because I wanted to empathize with those who want to learn Spanish and don’t know where to start or how to get there, wherever that might be. I picked Portuguese because it’s the third most spoken language (after English and Spanish) in Massachusetts, because I could use it in my day job (marketing and sales) and because it’s like Spanish (sort of).
At first, I focused on listening to what gives me peace of mind, guided meditation, and trying not to fret about words I didn’t understand. After getting used to Portuguese phonology and flow, I then incorporated reading and writing into my studies.
All the while, I explored the Internet to discover and document resources that could propel me toward proficiency. (Some of these resources can be useful for learning Spanish, too.)
When I was able to understand, read, write and say a few simple phrases, I searched for a language exchange site, where I might help Brazilians learn English and they could help me with Portuguese. So many people saw my profile and then contacted me. It’s as if I were the only American on the site. Nossa. Wow. Oh, my goodness. What to do?
I started a small and informal Saturday morning call. I am the only American. One of the Brazilians I met had recently launched Language Salad, a project that empowers language learners and teachers to connect Portuguese and English speakers in a spirit of cooperation, empathy, generosity and inclusion.
This expedition beyond my comfort zone hasn’t been a skip through the garden. I struggle with patience and perfectionism. I can obsess over my flaws and failures: days when I didn’t do the practice work or times when I mispronounced the word for bread (pão) so badly that my new friends snickered.
Still, I risked failure and removed the training wheels. In late July, I hired a tutor.
Today, I can still get down on myself when I don’t understand everything someone says. Sometimes I keep my cluelessness to myself because I’m afraid the other person will think less of me. Não entendo. Pode repetir? I don’t understand. Can you repeat (that)? I’ve probably used this phrase hundreds of times. It’s liberating, this becoming vulnerable and seeking help.
The ROI (five hours a week, $80 per month) goes beyond all the friends I’ve made and the additional job security. I’ve also delighted in learning about Brazil’s history, culture and geography. Another unexpected bonus: I’m overcoming stage fright. You see, I had never sung or played guitar solo in front of an audience. Well, several friends I’ve made online are musicians, and one of them asked me to sing and play the guitar to kick off a few Language Salad sessions. Back in March, I had no way of knowing I’d be on virtual center stage for 20-40 people.
Want to learn Spanish? Got a few doubts and fears? Let’s get started with a free consultation.