Archive for October, 2009
Listening Practice: Commercials Posted by Rachel on Oct 12, 2009
Watching TV is a great way to learn Portuguese, and though they may not seem important, commercials are also helpful ways to learn new vocabulary words. Let’s take a look at a few commercials as an example: Keywords to listen for in Portuguese: menu, dip/sauce, vegetables, ice cream, discount, percent, broadband, calls
Summer Olympics Vocabulary Posted by Rachel on Oct 9, 2009
In honor of Rio de Janeiro getting the 2016 Summer Olympics Games, let’s take a look at some related vocabulary. Track and field: Atletismo Swimming: Natação Rowing: Remo Sailing: Vela Boxing: Boxe Cycling: Ciclismo Fencing: Esgrima Gymnastics: Ginástica Greco-Roman Wrestling: Luta greco-romana Triathalon: Triatlo
Documentary: Curitiba Living Posted by Rachel on Oct 8, 2009
Here’s a great video for intermediate speakers, since there are subtitles and the narrator speaks in English. It’s a fantastic short documentary about Curitiba and its high quality of life, due largely to excellent city planning and making people–not cars–a priority. Check it out! Questions: Checking Understanding 1. How do you say “a person from…
Brazil Business News Posted by Rachel on Oct 7, 2009
Let’s take a look at the headlines from this week’s business news: Brazil stocks jump to highest since July 2008; Bolsa advances, Bloomberg Petrobras: Each subsalt well to cost $100m, Wall Street Journal Vale might bid on Brazil’s Monte Belo dam, Reuters Brazil joins emerging nation boost to IMF funds, AFP Banco do Brasil plans…
Rio de Janeiro vs. São Paulo Posted by Rachel on Oct 6, 2009
One sure way to get Brazilians and Brazilophiles talking is by asking the controversial question: which city do you prefer, Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo? So for today’s interactive feature, that’s the question at hand! The question isn’t intended to imply that one city is better than the other (although some people from each…
Lyrics Practice: Aquele Abraço Posted by Rachel on Oct 5, 2009
This is one of my favorite Brazilian songs ever, originally sung by Gilberto Gil, though I prefer some of the newer versions. Incidentally, this song is being used to promote the now official 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games, so I thought it would be a perfect day to celebrate Rio’s accomplishment! Listen to the…
2016 Decision Day Posted by Rachel on Oct 2, 2009
Today’s the day, folks! The International Olympic Committee will decide which city will host the 2016 Summer Olympics: Rio de Janeiro, Chicago, Madrid, or Tokyo. For the last few months, Rio and Chicago have pulled ahead of the other two cities, with Rio often in the lead. However, now that President Obama will fly to…