Hey guys, here a few more reasons to get inspired to take Portuguese classes someday soon. They were great news and that’s why I thought posting them here wouldn’t be too shabby at all. : )

Excellent Reasons to Study Portuguese

Brazil is the biggest country in South America (with 3,286,470 sq. miles it occupies almost 50% of South America!).

Extending 2,700 miles from north to south, Brazil has an incredible climatic and geographic diversity — from the tropical forests in the Amazon region to the temperate climate in Southern Brazil; from the beautiful beaches on the coast to the rich farmland of interior Brazil — the county offers many natural beauties.

Portuguese is spoken by over 250 million people, making it the 7th most widely spoken language in the world.

One out of three Latin Americans and one out of every two South Americans speaks Portuguese, not Spanish.

Worldwide, there are between 170 to 210 million people who speak Portuguese (besides Brazil, Portuguese is also spoken in Portugal, Angola, Mozambique, Cap Verde, Guinea Bissau). Portuguese is the 3rd most spoken Western language in the World (only behind English and Spanish!).

Portuguese is spoken in the United States, Brazil (the 4th largest country in the world), in five countries in Africa, and in Europe.

The United States government has declared Portuguese to be one of the six crucial languages for individuals in the US to learn.

2000 Census estimated that there are ca. 212,000 Brazilian living in the USA, while unofficial estimates put the number between 800,000 and 1,2 million.

The study of Portuguese opens multiple career paths in a variety of fields. You can go into business, diplomacy, choose a career in government, social services, media, law, health and the arts.

Brazil is the 8th largest economy in the world.

In a 1996 article, the magazine Veja classified Miami as the “fastest growing Brazilian city” with 20% annual growth in the Brazilian population.

Brazil is also Florida’s # 01 trading partner.

Brazil has a rich and diverse culture that reflects its multiethnic and multicultural roots. Brazil is known internationally for its music, its dances, its literature, art and cinema.

These all sound like pretty awesome reasons to take a few Portuguese classes, doesn't it? My favorite reason though is to have fun. I would not take any foreign language to be a beauracratic, or to hold a philosophical discussion with anyone (would you?) Taking a foreign language is such a huge step and  I think it makes you so darn smart!!

When you start taking either Portuguese or any other language, don't quit. And beyond 2 years or less - who knows? - you might be fluent enough  to chat about - no,no, no - to chat  using your new language. Awesome!

Many years ago I gave English a shot because I wanted to actually understand the movies on their original versions, it definitely worked for me. I will never forget though what my teacher told me after hearing my 100th "why?" He said "Angie, focus your attention on "HOW" a language operates", the 'why' has its limitations, so what are you going to do if there is no answer for  "why?"??" I think the point was made and after that day I started enjoying my new language even more. There was no pressure and best of all: no rush (since new skills take time to show improvement).    

So when was the last time you gave Portuguese or any other foreign language a shot? 

Cheers and success to all!!

Até mais. : )