Archive for the year 2008
Tecla SAP Posted by Transparent Language on Feb 11, 2008
Preeminent English-for-Brazilians blog Tecla SAP gets a facelift, new address, and continues to grow Ulisses W. Carvalho has been publishing this fantastic resource for some time now, which is evident from his readership, which hovers around the 30,000 mark! The focus is on easy-to-digest tips (dicas), translations of Brazilian colloquialisms (expressões idiomáticas), short quizzes, exercises…
Deforestation of the Amazon on Rapid Rise Posted by Transparent Language on Feb 4, 2008
Rising commodities prices have given developers added incentive to clear the Amazon lately. The BBC has an informative article about the disturbing velocity with which the rainforest has been disappearing. Seems like the world needs more and more soy. Read the article. Image: BBC
Go with the Flow: in Portuguese! Posted by Transparent Language on Feb 1, 2008
Ever try to say ‘chill,’ or ‘laid-back’ in Portuguese? For a long time I’ve been trying to find just the right way of saying the equivalent of ‘I’m just chilling,’ and I think I’ve found it. Here’s a quick list of terms for when you are ‘just kicking it’ in Portuguese: relax: relaxed, chill, ‘all-good’…
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…