They Don't Speak Spanish in Brazil
Exploring the Importance of Portuguese in Brazil's Linguistic Landscape"
Brazil speaks Portuguese. This is, very simply, because the territory was settled (some would say “conquered” by the Portuguese hundreds of years ago. They are very serious about this being the language of the country, and other languages are very much appreciated but not given any official priority. People who want to get ahead in international business or politics usually learn either English or Spanish, but these languages are generally not effectively taught in schools. That is, the courses are offered, but usually young people in Brazil usually learn about as much as their counterparts in the USA learn about foreign languages: next to nothing. All this is to say that if you want to have a good time in Brazil, or more importantly, plan to do business or live there, you really need to start learning Portuguese.
Not everyone gets the memo on this one, though. In the late 1990s I was in the city of Ribeirao Preto and doing all I could to improve my language skills. One day at a local craft market I encountered a pair of American women. We chatted briefly, and they told me that they didn’t speak any Portuguese. They were getting by with Spanish, and thought that was plenty. Almost to illustrate the point, one of them turned to a person at a table selling jewelry and asked: “¿Es plata?” That is, “is it silver?” The person understood and indicated “no,” but I found the exchange a little…odd. “Prata” is the word for silver in Portuguese, so “plata” is pretty close. Still, how hard is it to learn the Portuguese word. Also, how did these two get by in more complex situations with only Spanish and English?
An even more cringeworthy example of trying to use any language other than Portuguese in Brazil is one I observed while on vacation in Araxá (lovely little city, by the way). Two Canadian businessmen were lodged at the same hotel as me. The senior of the two apparently only spoke English, and the junior executive spoke English and French. As I was walking out of breakfast one morning I overheard the junior at the front desk, explaining that the senior “demande” something. That is, he was asking for something. But “demande” isn’t a word in Portuguese, doesn’t sound like the word for “ask” in that language, and in English sounds like “demand.” The woman at the front desk looked somewhere between bemused and perplexed.
When I went to Brazil the first time, my monolingual mother gave me some important advice. She said that whatever else I learned in Portuguese, one of the very first phrases I should prioritize is “where is the bathroom.” Anything else you can pantomime, but not being able to ask for the restroom puts one in a particularly tough spot. I learned the phrase within my first week in the country, and used in often as I needed it.
What I’m saying is that you don’t need to master the entire language to have a good vacation in Brazil. Just learn some key phrases, like “please,” “thank you, and “where is the bathroom?” That sort of thing. In major tourist areas you’ll find some who speak English or Spanish, but this is comparatively uneven in relation to what you’ll find in many other countries.
However, if you want to do business in Brazil, you either need to learn a good amount of the language or, preferably, hire a local interpreter. Just reach out to the local language schools and offer to hire someone for specific meetings or events. Whatever else you do, remember that you are in Brazil, not your home country, and they have every right not to be expected to cater to your specific language needs.
My path from a novice grappling with basic phrases to someone who appreciates the nuances of Brazilian culture highlights a broader lesson. Whether you’re a tourist soaking in the vibrant life of Brazil or a businessperson aiming to build lasting partnerships, the effort to learn Portuguese—or at least the crucial bits of it—can transform your experience. It’s about showing respect, demonstrating willingness to engage on their terms, and, ultimately, enriching your own understanding of this diverse and dynamic country. So, before you pack your bags or schedule your meetings, take a moment to consider how a little linguistic preparation could open doors to a more authentic and rewarding Brazilian adventure.
Uberlândia Development Initiatives is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that promotes community development projects in Uberlândia, Brazil, focusing on at-risk youth and their families. To learn more, visit our website at udibrazil.org.