As I’m sure you’re aware – Portuguese is not only spoken in Portugal, but also in Brazil, Mozambique, Angola, Cape Verde, The Republic of Guinea-Bissau, Sao Tome, Macau and East Timor.
Each country will have its own dialect, but the two main types of Portuguese are European (EP) and Brazilian (BP). Some of the crucial differences will be explored below.
Different influences
Languages such as French and Italian have given their modest contributions to the European form of Portuguese. The most notable contribution is the Italian “ciao” (bye) that in Brazilian Portuguese has the writing “tchau”. Brazilian Portuguese is influenced by Amerindian languages such as Tupi-Guarani, where many types of food, music, streets and cities have their names with Amerindian and African language origins.
Annunciation
If you are speaking European Portuguese, try to pronounce the words with a more closed mouth and with less pronunciation of vowels. In Brazilian Portuguese, vowels tend to sound longer and wider, so feel free to exaggerate a bit.
The Ts and Ds
When followed by an i or an e, the Brazilian Portuguese “d” will most likely have a ‘g’ sound (ex.: bom dia). The t, when followed by i or e, will sound like the chi in chimney (ex.: dente).
The ‘s’ sound
In Portugal, it will always sound like a shushing. In Brazil, depending on where you go, it can sound like the s in the word “super”. If you are in Rio de Janeiro, go for the former. If you are in São Paulo, go for the latter.
One is easier than the other
Sorry – that’s a lie – I’m afraid to say there is no easier one. Brazilian Portuguese may be simpler in their treatment of pronouns, but it is also more diverse in local expressions. Portugal may be the land that created the language, but it is also very small in size and population.
There are 203 million Portuguese speakers worldwide (the 6th most widely spoken language), so translating your business documentation into this crucial language will help to better reach your global customers. For a free quotation to translate your content, get in touch with our team: enquiries@Eging-ti.com
