NGO Focus: Afro Reggae Posted by Rachel on Mar 17, 2009
Today we’re going to look at one of Rio de Janeiro’s most successful non-profit organizations. Afro Reggae started as a newspaper in the Vigario Geral favela in Rio, discussing Afro-Brazilian culture and music, like reggae and hip hop. The movement itself was inspired by a police massacre in the favela that left a group of…
Portuguese Video Learning Series: Capoeira Posted by Rachel on Mar 16, 2009
Today on the video learning series, we’re going to take a look at a type of Brazilian dance/martial art form called capoeira, which originated during the colonial period from the African slaves. This documentary originally aired on ESPN Brasil and discusses the development of the dance form, the music and instruments used to accompany the…
Brazil in the News Posted by Rachel on Mar 13, 2009
Let’s take a look at Brazil in the headlines today. Environment: Brazil’s Concrete Jungle, IPS News Brazil: employment rate sees biggest employment drop since 2001, Macau Hub Exxon Brazil find may hold 8 billion barrels of oil, Bloomberg Brazil retail sales rise in January after three month drop, Forbes Ronaldo not ready for Brazil return…
Brazilian Etiquette: Table Manners Posted by Rachel on Mar 12, 2009
When learning a language, it’s just as important to learn about the culture so that you can apply your language skills in a respectful way. In this new series, we’re going to look at etiquette in Brazil to learn about basic customs. Today, we’re going to learn about table manners. Do not talk with food…
Portuguese Vocabulary: Family Posted by Rachel on Mar 11, 2009
Today, we’re going to learn the vocabulary terms for family members. pai = father mãe = mother avó = grandmother avô = grandfather filho / filha = son / daughter irmão = brother irmã = sister neto / neta = grandson / granddaughter sobrinho / sobrinha = nephew / niece tio / tia = uncle…
Brazilian Portuguese Video Learning Series Posted by Rachel on Mar 10, 2009
Today we return to the video learning series to practice listening comprehension (in this case, understanding the paulistano accent). We’re going to learn about the urban and social development of São Paulo from a History Channel series called “Mapas Urbanas.” The show is split up into three videos. Have a look and happy listening!
Brazil to begin pumping oil in Tupi Posted by Rachel on Mar 9, 2009
Petrobras, Brazil’s state-owned oil company, has announced that it will begin drilling for crude oil in the Tupi oil field in the Santos basin on May 1, 2009. Discovered in 2007, the oil field is estimated to have between 5 and 8 billion barrels of oil, but could potentially have up to 80 million barrels…