Portuguese | Lingotraveler

Discovering Portuguese: Language and Culture Across Continents

From Brazil to Portugal, here's how I've learned and lived the language:

My Journey Learning
Portuguese

Oi, tudo bem? In this video, I talk about my journey learning Portuguese—why I chose to learn Brazilian Portuguese, how the vibrant Brazilian community where I live inspired me, and how my love for Brazilian culture, food, and music has fueled my passion for the language. Espero que gostem!

Why Learn Portuguese?

Global Reach

Portuguese is spoken by over 250 million people across four continents. As the official language of countries like Brazil, Portugal, Angola, and Mozambique, it connects diverse cultures through a shared linguistic heritage.

Rich Culture

Portuguese-speaking countries boast vibrant traditions—from Brazil’s samba and carnival to Portugal’s fado music and azulejos. The language carries centuries of history, literature, cuisine, and art, reflecting the diverse identities of Lusophone communities around the world.

Unique Vocabulary

Portuguese is known for its expressive vocabulary and melodic sounds. With nasal vowels, rhythmic intonation, and regional accents—from the soft “s” in Lisbon to the open vowels of Rio—Portuguese offers a rich auditory experience. Its vocabulary blends Latin roots with African, Arabic, and Indigenous influences, making it both distinctive and deeply multicultural.

During our stay in Fortaleza, we took a one-day trip to Jericoacoara. After a few hours on the road, we arrived at this small, laid-back beach town surrounded by sand dunes and turquoise water. The vibe was calm yet full of life — people wandering barefoot through sandy streets, beach cafés playing soft music, and windsurfers gliding across the waves.

Camarão à Guilho or Portuguese garlic shrimp, is a simple dish that bursts with flavor. Fresh shrimp are sautéed in olive oil with plenty of garlic, chili, and a touch of lemon or white wine.

I had the opportunity to spend a couple of days in Fortaleza with my family, and it was the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. From the moment we arrived, we were drawn to the city’s energy — colorful streets, friendly locals, and a coastline that seems to go on forever.

Wandering through the narrow, cobblestone streets of Porto, Portugal I admired colorful houses stacked along the riverbanks and watched boats carrying barrels of port wine. We sampled local specialties like francesinha and, of course, a glass of Porto wine while taking in stunning views from the Dom Luís I Bridge.

Our buddy João

We hiked up to the Duna do Pôr do Sol just in time to watch the sun disappear over the ocean, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink. Even though it was just a quick visit, Jericoacoara left us wanting to stay much longer.

I had the chance to see Gilsons perform live at Lincoln Center in NYC. Their blend of samba, soul, and MPB brought Brazilian culture to life. Hearing the crowd sing in Portuguese reminded me how powerful music can be for language learning.

Short video I recorded in Portuguese while taking a nice walk in a beach in Fortaleza.

Fishing is more than a pastime in Fortaleza — it’s a way of life that has shaped the city for generations. From small artisanal fishermen launching their boats at dawn to local markets filled with the day’s catch, fishing plays a vital role in both the economy and culture of the region.

With the sis in Porto

One of the most memorable parts of our trip from Fortaleza was the ride to Jericoacoara. The journey itself felt like an adventure, winding through rustic landscapes, small villages, and stretches of golden sand. Driving over the dunes and unpaved roads gave us a glimpse of the region’s raw beauty and made us appreciate the remoteness of this beach paradise.

During my travels in Portugal, I couldn’t resist trying a Pastel de Nata, the country’s iconic custard tart. This pastry holds a rich, creamy custard filling, lightly caramelized on top — sweet, comforting, and perfectly satisfying with a cup of coffee. These little tarts are more than just a dessert; they’re a symbol of Portuguese tradition that are often enjoyed at cafés.

Born in the old neighborhoods of Lisbon, fado expresses saudade, that deep, bittersweet longing that has no true translation. With the sound of the Portuguese guitar and the powerful voice of the singer, fado tells stories of love, loss, and nostalgia. Whether performed in a small tavern or on a grand stage, its raw emotion connects people across generations.

Language Resources

This section is designed to help you explore practical tools for learning Portuguese, whether you're just starting out or looking to deepen your fluency. Each resource has been handpicked based on what has worked best for me on my own language journey. From podcasts that train your ear to books that build vocabulary, and apps that keep you engaged on the go, you'll find a variety of options tailored to different learning styles. Use this space as your personal toolkit—click on each card to discover materials that match your goals and level.