Learn Portuguese with Barbara Sharon
Portuguese for English Speakers - Learn Brazilian Portuguese with Expert Guidance
Learning Brazilian Portuguese as an English speaker can feel overwhelming at first. The grammar, pronunciation, and cultural context all work differently. But with the right guidance, Portuguese becomes one of the most rewarding languages to learn.
Barbara Sharon's Portuguese for English Speakers course is specifically designed to bridge the gap between English and Portuguese. As a native Brazilian Portuguese teacher who speaks fluent English (as well as Spanish and Italian), Barbara understands exactly the challenges English speakers face and knows how to make complex concepts clear and achievable.
Whether you are a complete beginner or have some Portuguese experience, this course meets you where you are and takes you to the next level.
Why Brazilian Portuguese Is Easier for English Speakers Than You Think
- Shared Latin vocabulary: Over 50% of Brazilian Portuguese vocabulary has Latin roots, making many words familiar to English speakers
- No tonal system: Unlike Mandarin or Vietnamese, Portuguese does not use tones to change word meaning
- Simple gender system: Only two genders (masculine and feminine) compared to the six in many European languages
- Flexible word order: Portuguese sentence structure is relatively flexible, similar to English in many ways
Common Challenges English Speakers Face (And How We Overcome Them)
Pronunciation
Portuguese has vowel sounds that do not exist in English, such as the nasal vowels in "mão" (hand) and "pão" (bread). The "r" and "lh" sounds also differ significantly. Barbara Sharon focuses on pronunciation from day one, using targeted exercises to help English speakers master these sounds.
Verb Conjugations
Portuguese verbs change form based on tense, person, and mood. English speakers are used to relatively simple verb conjugations, so this can be daunting. Barbara teaches conjugation patterns through context and repetition, so you internalise the rules naturally without memorising endless tables.
Prepositions
Prepositions like "em" (in/on/at) often do not translate directly between English and Portuguese. Barbara explains the logic behind preposition usage with clear comparisons and practical examples that make sense to English speakers.
Formal vs Informal Speech
Portuguese uses different pronouns and verb forms depending on the level of formality (tu/você/vós). English speakers often struggle with knowing when to use each form. Barbara provides clear guidelines on formal and informal speech, including regional variations within Brazil.
Cultural Context
Language and culture are inseparable. Understanding Brazilian customs, humour, and communication styles is essential for true fluency. Barbara shares cultural insights throughout every lesson, so you learn not just the language but how to use it appropriately in real situations.
What This Course Covers
Essential Phrases and Greetings
- Proper greetings for different times of day (Bom dia, Boa tarde, Boa noite)
- Introductions and asking for names
- Polite expressions and manners (Por favor, Obrigada/Obrigado, Desculpe)
- Goodbye expressions and well-wishes
Grammar Foundations
- Noun genders and articles (o/a vs. um/uma)
- Present, past, and future tense conjugations
- Subject pronouns and verb agreements
- Adjective placement and agreement
- Negative and interrogative sentence structures
Practical Communication
- Ordering food and drinks at restaurants
- Asking for and giving directions
- Shopping and bargaining
- Describing your day and routines
- Talking about your plans and future intentions
Pronunciation Mastery
- Nasal vowels and nasal consonants
- The Brazilian "r" sounds (rolled, guttural, and soft)
- Vowel reduction in unstressed syllables
- Word stress patterns and rhythm
- Listening comprehension with native speakers
Course Formats for English Speakers
Private Lessons (Recommended)
One-to-one online sessions where Barbara tailors the curriculum specifically to your English-speaking background. She anticipates common mistakes based on your native language patterns and addresses them proactively. This is the fastest way to build a solid foundation.
Group Classes
Learn alongside other English-speaking Portuguese learners. Group classes provide motivation, variety, and the opportunity to practice conversation in a supportive setting. Topics are chosen to interest English speakers and include cultural comparisons.
Speaking Club
Once you have basic Portuguese skills, the Speaking Club helps you transition from textbook Portuguese to real conversation. Regular group sessions focus on fluency, pronunciation, and expanding your vocabulary through discussion of topics relevant to English speakers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brazilian Portuguese or European Portuguese better for English speakers?
Brazilian Portuguese is generally easier for English speakers because Brazilian pronunciation is clearer and more consistent. Brazilian Portuguese is also more widely spoken (206 million speakers vs 10 million in European Portuguese), so there are more resources available. However, if you are planning to live in or travel frequently to Portugal, Barbara can teach European Portuguese.
How long does it take an English speaker to learn Portuguese?
With regular practice, most English speakers can hold basic conversations within three to six months. Reaching conversational fluency typically takes one to two years of consistent study. The key factors are practice frequency, immersion opportunities, and having a teacher who understands your native language challenges.
Do I need to speak Portuguese before starting?
No! The Portuguese for English Speakers course is designed for complete beginners. Barbara starts from the very basics and builds up gradually, always explaining new concepts in English so you understand exactly what is happening.
Can I learn Portuguese without visiting Brazil?
Absolutely. Most of Barbara's students learn Portuguese through online lessons and never visit Brazil. Online lessons provide the same quality instruction as in-person lessons, with the added benefit of flexibility and convenience. Cultural learning comes through conversation, media, and Barbara's cultural insights, not just from being in the country.
What if I already speak Spanish?
Speaking Spanish gives you a significant head start with Portuguese. Many words and grammatical structures are similar. Barbara can help you leverage your Spanish knowledge to learn Portuguese faster, while also highlighting the key differences you need to know.
Start Your Portuguese Journey Today
"Aprender é viver!" (Learning is living!)
Don't let the challenges of learning a new language hold you back. With Barbara Sharon's expert guidance tailored for English speakers, Brazilian Portuguese is more accessible and enjoyable than you think. Start your journey today.