Archive for 'Culture'
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
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…
Listening Comp: Brazilians in Japan Posted by Rachel on Sep 28, 2009
Today, we’re going to do an upper intermediate listening comprehension exercise using a short documentary filmed at a Brazilian festival in Japan. There are subtitles but surprise! They’re in Japanese. So you’ll have to listen very carefully to answer the questions. Questions 1. What is the woman featured in the video asking Brazilians to do?…
Favorite Brazilian Dance Posted by Rachel on Sep 23, 2009
For today’s interactive feature, the question is: what’s your favorite Brazilian dance? Personally, my favorite kind of dance to do is lambada, which is sometimes referred to as zouk. It’s a ton of fun to dance, though it takes a bit of practice, and is a great workout. I also really enjoy forró from Salvador…
Lyrics Practice: Elis Regina Posted by Rachel on Sep 21, 2009
Let’s kick off the week with a lovely little tune by Gilberto Gil, as sung by the classic singer Elis Regina. Follow along and see if you can keep up with the lyrics: Essa ladeira, que ladeira é essa? Essa é a ladeira da preguiça Essa ladeira, que ladeira é essa? Essa é a ladeira…