Post: #1

I'm hoping to go off to Brazil early next yr (Feb) for 4-6months volunteering, but I can't speak Portuguese. I am learning, but only from a book & CD rom, so it's not going to be great by any means.

How difficult is it to get by without being fluent in the language, both in daily activities and talking to women? Also, does the ability of the locals to speak english vary by area? Because I'm looking to choose between Rio or Recife for the bulk of my time and then maybe travel to other places for a short while.

Post: #2

Do you know any Spanish? It is close to Portuguese and is typically understood, from what I've read.

Post: #3

The pronunciation of Portuguese is what's confusing. "r" is pronounced like an "h" for one thing. "J" is pronounced the French way I think. And learning what are the silent letters and what aren't is a bit confusing compared to the more WYSIWYG latin languages like Spanish and Italian.

Post: #4

I have travelled all over Brazil and English is not widely spoken even in major cities and is not spoken at all (almost) in smaller cities.

If I was you I you choose Rio.

Post: #5

Lots of girls speak english in rio.

You still have 3 months. Download pimsleur portugese and start knocking them out. It will greatly improve your experience if you can interact with the locals.

Like someone else said, if you speak spanish they will understand you. If you don't know any language, then well just talk in english and hope for the best.

Post: #6

I've heard that Rosetta Stone is a good way to pick up a language quickly, trouble is, it's really expensive.

Post: #7

You should get by fine with daily activities as long as you have patience. In little time, with little effort, you will learn the basics that will allow you to have a really basic conversations, order food, etc.

Post: #8

I have used one of those pocket translators for years, that 50 dollar investment has gotten me laid in 40 countries.

When the gal doesn’t speak English just pull it out write what you want to say and translate it and show it to the gal – then show her how to use it and you can have a conversation of sorts. I always get positive responses when I do that, the gals like to meet foreign guys can and want too commentate – and it’s a good gadget to initiate an approach. Most gals are curious as to what it is so they will at least stick around to see what you are showing them.

Trust me, works all the time, I just used my pocket translator two weeks ago on a gal I met in a club in Bangkok, we ended up hooking up that night and she’s is still sending me emails, I am going to see her Sunday if I can fly into Bangkok

Post: #9

At first when you get there it is going to be hard, especially if you aren't meeting up with any Brazilians. You will get used to it though. I think it will be some what difficult though. I was with Brazilians, so they translated everything for me. As far as the Spanish suggestion, it really isn't going to help. Portuguese and Spanish are some what similar, but they are also really different. Portuguese is much harder. And the book you are reading is not going to hep with pronunciation. If you are in the south, the word cidade and words with the same ending are pronounced lik, "Cidadge." And the word "Niote" sounds kind of like "Noiche." There are different accents everywhere in Brazil. And as far as the "r" thing goes that the kid was talking about, that is not true all the time, for instance, the words "aprender" and "branca" both sound like our "R". Same with the town Braganca Paulista and the name Ciro.

Post: #10

(11-21-2008 09:41 PM)Tommo Wrote:  I'm hoping to go off to Brazil early next yr (Feb) for 4-6months volunteering, but I can't speak Portuguese. I am learning, but only from a book & CD rom, so it's not going to be great by any means.

How difficult is it to get by without being fluent in the language, both in daily activities and talking to women? Also, does the ability of the locals to speak english vary by area? Because I'm looking to choose between Rio or Recife for the bulk of my time and then maybe travel to other places for a short while.

Hi, Tommo

If you need any help, you can contact me.
Don't worry: the language barrier tops the list of the difficulties faced by foreigners in Brazil, but they seem to cope with the problem very well...the locals always help and are patient with them. You'll do just fine.
Rio or Recife...both places are fun, with beautiful people and amazing beaches...Recife has some of the most famous beaches of the country (Porto de Galinhas, Tamandaré, Itamaracá, Serrambi, the list goes on...) and is a little less violent, but you still have to avoid risky situations. It is a big, diverse and warm city. Besides, while in the state you can visit Fernando de Noronha, the most perfect place on earth.

either rio or recife, enjoy your trip!