Português

Portugal
Capital – Lisbon
Population - 11,317,192
Currency - € Euro
Religion – Christianity

Portuguese is widely spoken in both Brazil and Portugal. It is the fourth most learned language in the world! Most of Portuguese vocabulary has been got from Latin. However, here is a little trivia I’m pretty sure not many of you know – between the 9th to 13th centuries, approximately 800 words in the Portuguese language were taken from Arabic! This, continued on and a lot more words were borrowed from various other languages.

Portugal is known for its medieval castles and fort ruins that date back all the way to Roman occupation. The Portuguese are very family oriented people and familial matters always triumph over any other. They are very particular and meticulous when it comes to appearances. Your character is judged largely on the way you dress and present yourself. Thus, when in Portugal, clean up nice and good. You’ll surely create an impression!

Etiquette also plays a huge role when it comes to Portuguese culture. A standard way of greeting once you have been well acquainted with someone would be two kisses on each cheek starting from the right. This gesture is often seen as something only high profile celebrities do when they come on talk shows. However, in Europe, it is the socially accepted norm to do so! They also do not get on a first name basis with people unless they have been invited to that person’s home.

One of the most famous pieces in Portuguese literature which has been nationally recognized is Os Lusíadas – a poem about the travels of Vasco da Gama by Luís de Camões.

Portuguese classes are being conducted at SIFL-ELTIS. Along with the courses, there are also cultural experts that often come and give speeches and give you a detailed glimpse into the culture and tradition of Portugal. These sessions help you create a closer bond with the language.