Last March, I decided to learn Portuguese so I could use it at work and because I wanted to develop greater empathy for those who are learning Spanish and other languages—and thus become better equipped to be of service. I started with listening to meditation, slow and predictable words in Portuguese that would still my overactive mind and guide me to shelter.
Meu amigo, Ivan, is learning English. Wet met in June 2020, three months into my Portuguese learning adventure. This weekend he asked me, in Portuguese, about groups of people in the United States and where they come from. I didn’t understand all of what he said. That was frustrating because I sometimes expect perfection from myself when I don’t expect if from others. Major character flaw. I asked for help, and Ivan rephrased the question in his patient way. I replied that my heritage is Irish. Irlandés. I had a tough time explaining my family tree in English, so I felt better about my shortcomings in Portuguese. I showed my family tree to Ivan and my other Brazilian friends while on our Zoom call. I did the best I could in Portuguese to say grandfather (avô) and not grandmother (avó) or egg (ovo). I messed it up, and we laughed.
So many bumps in the road on this way to proficiency in Portuguese: misunderstandings, mispronunciations, mistakes all over the map. All worth it as I’ve met so many cool people and learned all about Brazilian geography, food, and accents. Someday, I’ll visit Minas Gerais to enjoy a delicious feijoada (Brazilian black bean stew) and rejoice, crendeuspai! (Oh, my goodness!)
The map behind me as I sang and played Melim’s “Meu Abrigo”. The happy places with pins in them are places I’ve visited. Brazil is on the list. Get ready, Minas Gerais.
In the last year, I’ve found great joy in helping others learn my native language and about my country. I’ve identified new online learning resources, too: Tandem, where I met many of my Brazilian friends like Ivan and Rodolpho, who founded Language Salad and interviewed me on his Instagram channel.
I expected to make mistakes and friends, and I figured I’d discover some new ways to learn languages.
I was surprised that I’d make great strides in overcoming my stage fright. I had no idea I’d be singing “Rainbow Connection” with Kermit the Frog in front of dozens of people on Zoom. I didn’t think, that after only a year (five-ten hours a week), I’d transcreate part of Melim’s “Meu Abrigo” (my shelter or refuge) to English and then perform the whole song for a Zoom or YouTube audience.
This morning, I returned to a Portuguese meditation I hadn’t listened to in many months. I understood all but a few words. Beyond the intellectual comprehension, I felt great peace as the voice led me to my happy place, meu refúgio de felicidade. I opened my moist eyes and felt loved.
Maybe you’re not a musician or into meditation. Maybe you don’t aspire to use Spanish or Portuguese at work. Could be you want to learn another language just for fun.
Whether you’re committed to achieving realistic goals or not sure if learning another language is for you, I’m here to listen.
Vamos começar. Vamos a comenzar. Let’s get started.