Archive for January, 2008
Fala Bonito Posted by Transparent Language on Jan 31, 2008
Fala Bonito is the most-read blog regarding the Portuguese language that I have found. Rene Marcondes posts often and well regarding aspects of the Portuguese language, Brazil, and also on varied aspects of linguistics in general. Rene also offers courses, though my impression is that they are mainly for native Spanish speakers, though I…
Religious Trends in Brazil: RioGringa Reports Posted by Transparent Language on Jan 28, 2008
Today I point you to a terrific post by RioGringa about religion in Brazil, specifically the trends related to religious affiliation over the past few decades. Among the highlights: Catholicism is on the decline, Candomblé (the afro-syncretic religion) is gaining a substantial white membership, and Atheism is on the rise. As Rachel (RioGringa) writes: Despite…
Beautiful Brazilian Slideshow Posted by Transparent Language on Jan 25, 2008
Check out the always updated slideshow from Inglês Verde e Amarelo. Veja mais fotos como estas em Ingles Verde Amarelo If you are reading this in email or a feed reader, you can check out the pictures here: Inglês Verde e Amarelo Photo Slideshow
Top Ten Brazil Travel Tips Posted by Transparent Language on Jan 24, 2008
10. Plan ahead Some of the aspects of getting down to Brazil may take a little lead-time, and in order to avoid stressing, try to get the process rolling at least a few months in advance. A sub-tip: trying to get out of Brazil during the first week of January will cost you, and…
Yellow Fever Surges in Parts of Brazil Posted by Transparent Language on Jan 14, 2008
Yellow fever (also called yellow jack, black vomit or vomito negro, or sometimes American Plague) is an acute viral disease.[1] BPP (Brazilian Portuguese Pod) has a new podcast about Yellow Fever. André Barbosa was kind enough to provide some useful background information for the readers of the Portuguese Blog. The disease is an important cause…
The Expression “Pois Não” and its Origin Posted by Transparent Language on Jan 11, 2008
Today’s post is written by André Barbosa who publishes the fantastic Brazilian Portuguese Podcast. “Pois não” is an expression used by Brazilians as well as by the Portuguese and means “yes”, “of course”, “sure.” It’s curious, however, that this expression contains the adverb “não” (not) and means just the opposite. “Pois não” comes from another…
Breakfast Posted by Transparent Language on Jan 10, 2008
Denilso de Lima, a fantastic and renowned Brazilian ESL professor, has a great post today in his blog Inglês na Ponta da Língua about breakfast. Though his post is intended for Portuguese speakers, the phrases and translation Denilso provides are very useful for those learning Portuguese. Please visit his blog if you are curious…