Discovering Portuguese: A Worldly Language with a Rich Heritage

Portuguese is more than just the language of Portugal; it's a global tongue spoken by over 250 million people across various continents. One of the most fascinating facts about Portuguese is that it's the official language of nine countries, including Brazil, Mozambique, Angola, and even a few islands in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans!

Did you know that Portuguese is the sixth most spoken language in the world? It’s incredible how a language from a small European country spread so widely due to the age of exploration. When Portuguese explorers set sail in the 15th and 16th centuries, they brought their language to far-off lands, creating a diverse and vibrant Lusophone (Portuguese-speaking) world.

Portuguese is a Romance language, which means it evolved from Latin, just like Spanish, French, and Italian. Despite this common ancestry, Portuguese has a unique sound. It’s often described as having a melodic and somewhat nasal quality, making it distinct and beautiful to the ear.

Here’s a fun titbit: the word “saudade” is famously untranslatable. It describes a deep emotional state of nostalgic longing for something or someone that one loves. It's a word that beautifully encapsulates the poetic and expressive nature of the Portuguese language.

And if you’re a fan of music, you’ve likely heard Portuguese through the soulful genre of Fado, which originated in Lisbon. Fado songs are known for their expressive and melancholic tunes, often reflecting themes of love, loss, and the sea.

Lastly, Portuguese isn’t just about the past. It’s a language of the future too, with vibrant cultures, booming economies, and dynamic communities around the world. Whether you’re visiting the bustling streets of São Paulo, the historic neighbourhoods of Lisbon, or the beautiful beaches of Cape Verde, Portuguese is your passport to an exciting and diverse world.

Why not take advantage of this summer to finally learn Portuguese? Try our six-week intensive course with 2 hours of lessons a day and be amazed at the results!

For more information, contact info@faust.pt