Brazilian Portuguese Grammar
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Discover Why the Brazilian Portuguese Grammar Doesn’t Need To Be Rocket Science...
Brazilian Portuguese Grammar Again?
Let’s Get Out of Here!
"Ugh, that's exactly how we felt when our Portuguese teacher pronounced that awful word... GRAMMAR!"
You see no problem with that? Correct me if I'm wrong but you don't seem to have studied Portuguese as your mother tongue...
When you land in Brazil, however - and I hope you're planning to - please don't try to approach anyone with that matter in mind (except your Portuguese teacher), or you may end up winning a very unique contest: 'The Boring Prize of the Year!';)
People are pretty fast in assuming whom they like and dislike, and even adults sometimes behave like teens...
After filling in half a dozen 'know-yourself' tests, they assume that they like or dislike some school subjects, and never mind about the rest. What they can't see then is that usually a teacher has inspired such appreciation or rejection!
Think about this: Can you remember a favorite teacher from your youth? Didn't you instantly liked his/her subject?
Being raised with a similar mentality, I refused to teach grammar for a couple of years. Fortunately, the Abominable Grammar Snowman departed from my life on the day I met an English teacher who really knew what languages are all about...
I still remember when I closed my own Language School and started begging for a job at my competitor's doors. (Not that extreme, just to wake you up! ;)
Actually, the first language school I applied to hired me... and it was one of the best language institutions of the country!
Then I was sent to São Paulo City in order to get a specialized training. From Monday morning to Wednesday afternoon we just practiced and ate, practiced and ate, practiced and ate our teaching skills. (Still awake? ;)
As a result of such a fruitful seminar, I got two major conclusions:
1. Anyone can learn a foreign language. ANYONE.
2. Probably, I will never get fat.
On those turning days - for the fi
rst time - I could see how languages work, and what they are composed of!
Here is my summary:
A language is composed of Systems and Skills.
System
A set of connected items or devices, which operate together.
In our context, Vocabulary, Grammar (You are here!), Pronunciation and Functions.
Skill
The ability to perform activities well, because you have practiced them, as Note:
On this Web site, I'll give you the hints from A to Z about how to improve your performance in each specific area of language learning. However, by now let's turn our spotlights to...
Grammar - The Reigning Queen of the Language Kingdom
Since we are on the Web, let me introduce you my kids' pet: this charming 10-legged-spider. She knows grammar 'at the back of her hands'!
Let's take a close-up at each of her 10 legs? - Take it easy, gentlemen!
1. Adjectives
Words that describe a noun or pronoun: beautiful, ugly, fast, slow, etc.
2. Adverbs
Words that describe or give more information about a verb, adjective or adverb: quickly, wonderfully, daily, etc.
3. Articles
Any of the English words 'a', 'an' and 'the' or words in other languages that do the same job as these.
4. Conjunctions
Words that connect other words, phrases and clauses in a sentence: and, but, while or although.
5. Interjections
Words that are used to show a short sudden expression of emotion: Hey! Wow! Ouch!
6. Nouns
Words that refer to people, places, things, events, substances or qualities: father, city, computer, Internet, Portuguese.
7. Numerals
Symbols that represent numbers: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11...
8. Prepositions
Words that are used before a noun, a noun phrase or a pronoun, connecting it to another word: in, on, at, before, after, under, over, beside, behind...
9. Pronouns
Words that are used instead of a noun or a noun phrase: I, you, he, she, it, we, they, me, us, him, her, who...
10. Verbs
Words or phrases that describe actions, conditions or experiences: to love, care, learn, know...
Phew! What a long journey! If this grammar list seems complex to you, just keep in mind this single concept:
Grammar is like a police officer whose job is to keep the flow of communication and correct those
who are breaking the laws of comprehension.
If you can't keep a real conversation flowing, don't get desperate. You are never going to be grammatically arrested. It's as simple as that.
Till next time, keep learning. You've convinced me that studying grammar is the best thing to do in this life...
Hey! What's going on? What are you gonna do with that straitjacket?
"You can have fun while you're learning.
Even if you are learning GRAMMAR!"
- The Author
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