Archive for April, 2009
Video Learning Series: Vai para onde? Posted by Rachel on Apr 21, 2009
In today’s video learning series, we’re going to practice listening comprehension using a Brazilian TV show. One of the best TV shows you can watch to learn Portuguese and to see different parts of Brazil is “Vai para onde?” from Brazil’s Multishow channel. They’re great to learn from not only because the host speaks clearly…
Brazil in the News Posted by Rachel on Apr 20, 2009
Today we’re going to look at the headlines to see the latest in Brazilian news. Brazil’s high tech hub grows in Sao Paulo’s Brooklin, CNN Latin America urged against protectionism, Reuters Region’s poverty poses challenge for World Economic Forum, WSJ Rio Olympic bid focuses on atmosphere, emerging economy, Chicago Tribune Brazil sees reason for hope…
Problems with Portuguese Posted by Rachel on Apr 17, 2009
Today we’re going to do another interactive post. The question is: What is the biggest obstacle you’ve encountered while learning Portuguese? What part of the language do you find the most difficult? In my experience, one of the most difficult grammar rules to learn is hypenating words. It’s difficult to memorize what kind of accent…
Celebrity Posted by Rachel on Apr 16, 2009
When discussing celebrities, there are a few important words and phrases to keep in mind. 1. grande i.e. ator / atriz / cantor / cantora / artista (actor, actress, male singer, female singer, artist) Even though grande means big in some contexts, in this context it means great. Kate Winslet é uma grande atriz, e…
Brazilian Profile: Rodrigo Santoro Posted by Rachel on Apr 15, 2009
Rodrigo was born on August 22, 1975 in Petrópolis, a mountain town north of Rio de Janeiro. The son of an engineer and an artist of Italian descent, he grew up in Rio and went to PUC-Rio to study journalism. After he graduated, he spent a year in Globo TV’s Actor’s Workshop, and began his…
World Economic Forum Kicks Off in Rio Posted by Rachel on Apr 14, 2009
Rio de Janeiro will host the World Economic Forum on Latin America from April 14 – 16, which will gather CEOs, executives, and businessmen to discuss integrating regional economies, addressing the economic crisis, economic policies, and environmental friendly business solutions. The co-chairs of the event include executives from KPMG International, Lloyd’s, and Banco Itaú Unibanco…
Brazilian Kayaker Sets World Record Posted by Rachel on Apr 13, 2009
On March 4th, Brazilian kayaker Pedro Oliva set a world’s record by kayaking over an 127 foot waterfall on the Rio Sacre in the state of Mato Grosso. The waterfall, called Salto Belo, is as tall as a twelve story building, but Pedro not only survived–he came out unscathed. Pedro actually spent more time underwater…