Tá Falado: Brazilian Portuguese Pronunciation for Speakers of Spanish

Oh man, where did this word come from? After a whole series of lessons in pronunciation and grammar ... and now we learn a whole bunch of words where Spanish and Portuguese are totally different. If Tá Falado is supposed to show learners the similarities between these two languages, well, this lesson just won't do that. Today Michelle and Valdo give as words like embora, ainda, rapaz, jeito, cedo, and tomara. It is true that Spanish and Portuguese are similar in many ways. However, today we look at the words that are not similar at all.es pero en el Brasil no hay aire condicionado en los autobuses. Hay que abrir las ventanas para ventilar. Valdo: Por otro lado, existe un calor humano. Las personas pueden hasta descansar unas encima de las otras porque a veces los autobuses anda muy llenos. Lo ves, ¿para qué mejorar? English Michelle: Man, did you see that guy in the wheel chair getting into the bus early this morning? Valdo: I did see him. I think it's interesting the way that Americans take care of people who have special needs, changing the streets and the busses. Michelle: I know, here the seats close up and the doors of the bus can be lowered to accommodate the people. Valdo: Although Brazil doesn't have busses that have such adaptations, nobody complains because the public transportation system is so good. Michelle: Right, but don't go too far with these stories because maybe you have forgotten that the buses in Brazil don't have air conditioning, you've got to open the window to get some air. Valdo: On the other hand, you've got human warmth. People even end up lying on top of one another because the buses en up so full sometimes. You see, what is there to improve?

One of life's great mysteries is if a Brazilian marries someone from Venezuela, how do you figure out what their official name will be? We ought to be politicians because we spend the whole lesson talking about last names, middle names, and given names, but we never actually answer the question! In this lesson Michelle talks about what it has been like to explain her daughter's full name. Americans get a little confused. As to the grammar, we discuss the difference between phrases like 'have you been eating lately' and 'have you ever eaten before.'ave you been noticing anything different lately as related to pregnancy and having children here in the United States? Michelle: Lately I've been noticing that the issue of names has been very different from in Brazil. Valdo: Have you ever had any problems with this? Michelle: Yes I have. Lately I've had some problems in explaining to people here that my daughter has two last names. Valdo: Yes, you need to get used to that, because here people have used the a system where they have a second name and a last name instead of two last names. Michelle: That is exactly what confuses me here. In all the places I've gone during these last few months, people don't understand why my daughter doesn't have a second name.

So how weird would it be to be a Brazilian in the United States and see for the first time a bicycle attached to the front of a city bus? Sure enough, that would never happen on a bus in Brazil. These are the kinds of observations that North Americans would never make because, well, we think it's normal. It's all a matter of perspective. This lesson talks about those kind of cultural differences, and we do so while going over a lesson about word order. (We know the title doesn't sound all that exciting, but it really is an interesting grammar topic -- if you are into language learning.) are people who put their bicycles in front of the buses. Valdo: Yes, here in the United State we have specific places in front of the buses to carry bicycles. Michelle: Yes and it give people a reason to carry their bicycles in front of the bus so that they can sit down. Valdo: That's true. Unexpected things always happen when riding a bicycle, for example: rain, hot sun, ladders. Michelle: In fact, some unexpected thing always comes up that makes you prefer the comfort of the air-conditioned bus. Valdo: Gee, that's what we're missing in Brazil to make our public transportation system the best.

Spanish speakers who are used to saying tampoco will now have to learn how to say também não in Portuguese. It just sounds cute somehow. Culturally, Michelle and Valdo talk about all the things that are offered online in the United States, much more than in Brazil. In this lesson we also mention the sensitive subject of toll roads in Austin, Texas. We are still getting used to the idea, so forgive us if we're a little touchy about it. It may be common in other places, but we still don't like it, even if you can make payments online! What a coincidence, I renewed my books too. It's a good thing that here you can do that online. Valdo: It's true! Here in the United States people also use the Internet to pay bills, buy things, order movies, make gift lists ... Michelle: But unfortunately I couldn't register for next semester's classes because the system wasn't working. Valdo: How interesting, I couldn't do it either. When I tried things weren't working either. Michelle: Yea, I couldn't pay the toll either, we'll see if I can do it tonight.

In this lesson, Michelle claims that most people give women one kiss on the cheek when greeting and when saying goodbye. Valdo thinks that it is more common to give two kisses, one on each cheek. And there are even places where a third kiss is given. How difficult can it get? As to grammar, years ago Orlando was once caught saying, in Spanish, María quiere me ayudar. To his surprise he found out that Spanish speakers are not supposed to put the indirect pronoun 'me' between the verbs. So, for you who are learning Portuguese, you get to learn the opposite: in Portuguese the pronoun goes between the auxiliary and main verb. There is no problem in saying, Maria quer me ajudar. región en el Brasil hay hasta tres. Verás que cuando los americanos vienen a saludarnos, nosotros siempre esperamos algo más informal. Valdo: Ni lo esperes! Aquí en los Estados Unidos las personas son mucho más formales que en el Brasil, muchas veces ni siquiera te tocan y luego ya están diciendo: perdona, con permiso, por favor, siento mucho ... English Michelle: When someone wants to introduce us to another person here in the United States, how is that done? Valdo: Here, even if the people want to give you a kiss, that's not the custom. The most they will do is to hold out their hand to you. Michelle: You're right, in Brazil people are more informal. Everyone is kissing and hugging each other right away. Valdo: Yea, and it's kind of funny sometimes because they come to give me a kiss and I'm used to getting two. Michelle: That's true. And depending on the region in Brasil you can even have three. So you see that when Americans greet us, we're always expecting something more informal. Valdo: Don't wait for that! Here in the United States people are much more formal than in Brazil, many times they barely even touch you and they are already saying: sorry, excuse me, please, I'm sorry ...

No kidding, Orlando was in Mexico City one time and saw a man in Chapultepec Park who was selling helados esquisitos. Why would anyone want to buy 'weird' ice cream? Turns out, in Spanish esquisito means exquisite, and Mexicans actually like to have their helado esquisito! It's a positive thing. In Portuguese, esquisito means strange or weird. OK, that's what we mean by false cognates. Although many words between Spanish and Portuguese are similar, there are others that trick you because the meaning isn't what you expect.helle: Can you believe that I put my nickname on the computer instead of my first and last name? Valdo: Wow, and you were still pregnant! Weren't you embarrassed about driving for your test with that big stomach? Michelle: Of course not! I even attended the university while pregnant.

OK, so you are driving down the freeway and you see a semi going 70 mph and there is a mobile home being pulled along. Well, yes, I do see why that would seem rather shocking to a Brazilian. Thanks go to Valdo and Michelle for making that observation. Grammar-wise, we are also going to talk about dropping direct object pronouns. Better to drop pronouns than mobile homes from semis!

To be clear, we are referring to gender agreement. Get ready: although gender is 95% the same between Spanish and Portuguese, there are a few words that change. Is it o leite or a leite? O sal or a sal? O origem or a origem? Valdo and Michelle clarify things for us. Culturally, at what age can you buy alcohol in Brazil?

Not only are Brazilians thought of as being very friendly, now they even want to personalize their infinitive verbs! Valdo and Michelle lead the way in showing us how to do the same. Culturally, we talk about the price of education in the United States. And take a peek at this picture! Orlando's really into the Texas Pride. Hook 'em Horns!

Just look at that barriga! Clearly the polite thing to do, at least in Brazil, would be to have a special line at banks, post offices, and supermarkets for those that have 'special' needs. However, the other day, in this condition, with that barriga, Michelle had to wait in line at the U.S. post office just like one of the 'regular' people. Grammatically, Orlando seems to love topic-comment patterns almost too much. Is it possible that grammar is really that interesting?

'Não, não sei não.' This is the pattern for Brazilians, to say 'no' three times in the sentence. It's not that Valdo and Michelle are negative people, but they sure get their point across. And speaking of their point of view, if YOU invite them to a party, YOU should really pay the tab!

Who would have ever guessed that Valdo and Michelle think that jeans and flip flops make a strange combination? Looks like we've just seen one more thing that makes Americans stand out. Note that this picture has got three Brazilians trying to dress like North Americans! Oh yes, and grammar-wise, we're talking about possessive pronouns. You might say, OUR comments to YOUR lesson.

So why is the plural of alemão alemães, but he plural of nação is nações? And why would the plural of mão be mãos? You know what, Valdo and Michelle have some hints to clear it all up. What's amazing is that they can talk about that and still have time to talk about car insurance in Brazil.

For all of you who learned how to speak Spanish, we all relive the nightmare experience of learning direct and indirect object pronouns. Lo is direct, le is indirect. When you use both put the indirect first; but you can't say le lo, so change le to se and then say se lo, as in se lo di 'I gave it to him' ... Bad memories for sure, but the good news is that none of that happens in Portuguese. In fact, Brazilians hardly ever use indirect objects. Instead they just say para ele 'to him', para ela 'to her', para eles 'to them'. That's what Orlando, Valdo, Michelle, and Jose Luís talk about in this lesson, which is just para vocês!o drink. Valdo: Waiter, bring us two beers please. And no water! Michelle: Valdo, ask him to bring a heart of palm salad too. Valdo: Wow! The waiter keeps on giving them water, look at that. They are going to get drunk on so much water. Michelle: It's impressive here ... as soon as you arrive the first thing they do is bring you a glass full of ice water.

In this lesson Orlando dreams about being able to use the verb 'ficar' when he is talking in Spanish. Ah, if they just had that verb in Spanish, it would make things a lot easier. Of course, for you Spanish speakers, you now have a chance to add 'ficar' to your Portuguese. Whether it means to become, to be, to stay, to remain, to keep on, or any of the other meanings, you are sure to love this fantastic verb. And whoever said that verbs weren't fun? One caution, however, don't study your verbs in a café, at least not in Brazil. Michelle and Valdo have a hard time getting used to the idea of studying in a café.people coming in and out. Michelle: Besides that, you end up poorer because in order to stay there you have to keep drinking something. Valdo: And you've also got to wait in line just to buy something. Michelle: Yea, sometimes I feel a little reticent to study in cafes precisely because of that.

Here's a trick question for Spanish speakers: Would it be better in Portuguese to say the equivalent of 'Siéntate' or 'Siéntese'? Answer: Don't worry about the reflexive pronouns. Chances are that Brazilians won't use them either. In this lesson Valdo and Michelle help the rest of us to get a sense of the disappearing reflexive pronouns in Portuguese. Michelle also adds how cool she thinks the use of coupons is here in Texas as well.

When you go, you will buy a soda. If you buy a soda, you will get refills. As soon as you get refills, you will sit down with friends to talk. Those who sit and talk with friends, will have a great time. Yes, all of those sentences require the 'future subjunctive' in Portuguese. So, if you listen to Orlando, Valdo, Michelle, and José Luís, you will also learn how to use the future subjunctive. Don't be intimidated, Spanish speaking friends, it's easier than you think!

The plural of Brazil, if there were two of them, would be 'Brasis.' Now that would be a strange word! Spanish speakers aren't sure how to make those words that end in 'l' plural. Orlando, Valdo, Michelle, and José Luís try to tell us that it is as easy as drop the 'l' and add 'is,' but we're sure there is more to it than that. While they are talking about plurals, Valdo and Michelle also tell us about their experience in getting used to self serve gas stations in the U.S. too!

Can you believe how many contractions Portuguese has? : nesse, num, do, naquele, aos, pelo, etc. The list goes on and on. When speakers of Spanish catch on to these contractions, sentences become instantly easier to understand. And that, of course, is what Orlando, Michelle, Valdo, and Jose Luís hope to do with today's lesson on contractions. At the same time, culturally, Valdo and Michelle found it hard to find their change that automatically fell out of a machine at the supermarket. Sure enough, that would be a new experience for visitors from Brazil.

We've made a switch. Welcome back to all who have previously listened to Tá Falado. Up to this point, we've always done pronunciation lessons. Today we introduce something new, our first grammar lesson! From here on out we'll look at some of those items that make Spanish speakers shake their heads and say, 'I thought Portuguese and Spanish were more similar than this.' In lesson one, Orlando, Valdo, Michelle, and Jose Luís talk us through the verb 'to like.' We, in fact, hope that you like the lesson too. Culturally, Valdo and Michelle confess that they have never understood why North Americans like to sit on the grass.on't like ants either. Where do you like to study? Valdo: I really like to study in the comfort of my home or in the library.

Unlike the regular podcast lessons, we've included some other supplementary lessons. Think of these as a sort of Appendix to the regular lessons. In this second supplementary lesson, we provide an audio sample of all of major consonant sounds for Brazilian Portuguese. This should give you a sense of each of the sounds.

Today's lesson is totally different. Instead of listening to a dialog and comparing the sounds to Spanish, our team discusses a number of audio clips that illustrate Brazilian Portuguese intonation patterns. Do not worry about understanding what they clips are saying. The objective of today's lesson is to listen to the music, rhythm, and pitch of Brazilian Portuguese. And yes, Brazilians do think of Halls Mentho-Lyptus as candy!

Let's see if we have this right? Michelle's family gave her the nickname 'witch' because of how moody she became when under stress at school, right? Wow, that's a mean nickname, at least from a North American point of view. This lesson is a bit different in that we don't look at pronunciation directly, but we do look at the little extra words that people add to their speech, like, you know, umm, well, like, whatever, you know? Dialog Portuguese Michelle: Cê sabe que os americanos acham estranho certos apelidos que a gente coloca nas pessoas. Valdo: Diga aí ... vem cá, eles não usam apelidos? Michelle: Então, veja só ... quando eu digo que meu apelido no Brasil é 'bruxa' ninguém acredita. Eles acham estranho, um pouco cruel, sabe? Valdo: Peraí ... eles não usam apelidos como 'gordo', 'magrela', 'baixinho', 'alemão'? Pô, isso é uma forma de demonstrar, tipo, amizade no Brasil, né? Michelle: Viu, não é que eles não usam apelidos aqui, mas é diferente, entende? Geralmente é só um diminutivo do nome, como 'Liz' para Elizabeth, 'Bob' para Robert, tá vendo? Valdo: Ah, tá ... não é um nome engraçado como os que a gente usa e que vem de uma característica física que a pessoa tenha, por exemplo. Ah, sei ... Bom, então a gente se fala mais tarde, falô? Spanish Michelle: Sabe que los americanos consideran raros los apodos que les damos nosotros a outros. Valdo: Dime, ven acá, ¿no utilizan ellos apodos? Michelle: Entonces, mira, cuando les digo que mi apodo en Brasil es 'bruja' nadie lo cree. Ellos piensan que es muy raro y un poco cruel, ¿sabe? Valdo: Espera, ¿no usan ellos apodos como 'gordo', 'flaquito', 'bajito', 'alemán'? Pues, eso es una forma de mostrarles, a ver, amistad en Brasil, ¿no? Michelle: 'Bob' para Robert, tá vendo? Ves, no es que no utilizan apodos aquí, pero es diferente, ¿sabe? Generalmente es una forma diminutivo del nombre, como 'Liz para Elizabeth, 'Bob' para Robert, ¿lo ves? Valdo: Está bien, no serúa un nombre chistoso como los que nosotros usamos, estos que vienen de las características físicas que la persona tenga por ejemplo. Bien, entonces podemos hablar más de eso más tarde, ¿está bien? English Michelle: You know that Americans think it is strange the way we give nicknames to other people. Valdo: Come on, tell me, you mean they don't use nicknames? Michelle: So, look, when I tell them that my nickname in Brazil is 'witch' nobody believes it. They think it is strange and a little cruel, you know? Valdo: Hold on ... you mean they don't say things like 'fat', 'skinny', 'short', 'German'? Wow, this is the way that we show, you know, friendship in Brazil, right? Michelle: You know, it's not that they don't use nicknames, but it's different, you know? Generally they just use diminutive forms of a name like 'Liz for Elizabeth, 'Bob' for Robert, you see? Valdo: OK then, so it's not a funny name like the ones that we use that come from some physical characteristic that the person hás for example. I've got it, OK, we'll talk more later, OK?

Epenthe ... what? Epenthetic vowels. We know, it sounds like a tropical disease, but it's really the linguistic feature that produces such great Brazilian words as 'piquenique' for picnic. Valdo isn't sure he can bring himself to say 'hoti doggie' for 'hot dog,' but he has no problem with 'fasti foodi.'

If you would like to say the name of their country correctly, Michelle and Valdo are here to show us how to say 'Brasil,' which really comes out more like 'Braziw.' That is the trick in lesson 21. They also share their experience at self-service digital photo machines.

The 'mulher molhada trabalhava' is rendered in Spanish as 'mujer mojada tabajaba.' That's our basic rule: words spelled with 'j' in Spanish are often spelled with 'lh' in Portuguese. However, you've got to hear the podcast to find out how they are pronounced. Culturally Valdo and Michelle admire the number of automatic sprinklers that are found in residential areas in the United States.

Valdo and Michelle still can't get used to the idea of taking their clothes to a Laundromat and using the coin-operated machines. Sure enough, in Brazil you either wash clothes at home or pay someone else to do the laundry. As they talk of Laundromats, we'll hear the pronunciation of many words that are spelled with 'nh,' similar to the Spanish 'ñ.'

For the meat lovers of the world, we present the Brazilian-style 'churrascarias' and the 'rodízio' buffets. Get ready for over 30 different cuts of meat that will come by your table, and that doesn't include the salad bar either! Michelle is partial to 'coração de galinha' (chicken hearts). Valdo can't wait for the 'costelinha de carneiro' (rack of lamb). Orlando loves the popular 'picanha,' which he can't even say in English, but he knows it is his favorite. No wonder Valdo and Michelle think of American steak restaurants as snacks. Pronunciation is easy: 'ch' in Portuguese always sounds like 'sh.'f boring, steak houses seem more like luncheonettes. Michelle: Yes, in Brazil it's a lot cooler. Everyone goes and there's that table full of salads, cheeses, and drinks. Valdo: And besides that, everyone fills up their stomachs because the waiters don't ever give you a chance to stop eating. They really take care of you at those restaurants, right? Michelle: That true. They keep coming to your table without having to be asked. Valdo: And besides that steak houses in Brazil are charming and inviting. Michelle: I know, it makes you want to stay until they close. Brazilian steak houses are finger-licking good!

From a North American perspective, the Brazilians have very skimpy swimming suits. However, from Valdo and Michelle's perspective, North American swimsuits are 'gigantes', 'enormes.' In the end, as Michelle explains, 'não importo, vou continuar com o meu biquini do Brasil' (I don't care, I'm going to keep on using my Brazilian bikini). As to pronunciation, did Orlando really say that he wanted to name his daughter 'Janela' (window)? Good thing he didn't!

For once, a lesson that is easy for native speakers of English, but tough for the native speakers of Spanish. We're talking about how to pronounce words with 'b', 'd', and 'g.' Just wait to hear Jose Luis say the word 'abogado'! As to the cultural topic, Valdo and Michelle are trying to get used to adding tax to the price of the items that they buy.

Our carioca is back! Once again Vivian Flanzer joins Michelle and Valdo to help us compare how people from Rio de Janeiro pronounce words the 'r' sounds. So now we can compare Bahia, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo. This lesson repeats the dialog from Lesson #14, but is sure doesn't sound the same when Vivian is talking.

North Americans don't always have the greatest image abroad. However, at least we are known as good tippers. Michelle and Valdo tell about how they have to leave more tips than they do in Brazil, and it has been a tough transition. As to pronunciation, Valdo controlled himself to not call Michelle a 'caipira' (hillbilly), but her 'r' sounds are truly fantastic.

This podcast lesson is a repeat of Lesson #12 on the sounds of 's' and 'z.' However, in this lesson we have a special guest. Vivian Flanzer is from Rio de Janeiro. And not just Rio, from Copacabana! In this lesson we get to compare Vivian's pronunciation to that of Valdo and Michelle. Get ready for some wild soundings for 's' and 'z.

In the previous lesson we learned all about palatalization, when words spelled with 'ti' sound like 'chee' and words with 'di' sound like 'jee.' This is pretty much true for people in live in the central regions of Brazil. However, in the far north and in the far south of Brazil, it is much less common. Today we introduce everyone to Alfredo Barros who is from Teresinha, Pernambuco. We'll all get a chance to hear his dialect, from a region where people don't have as much palatalization. It makes for a great comparison with the way that Valdo and Michelle talk.: I can't believe that. Why? Valdo: She lost her teeth in a typical car accident where the driver was using a cell phone while driving. Michelle: How sad! Given that it's a good thing that in Brazil it's against the law to use a cell phone while driving. You could get a ticket!

Our podcast comes to you from Austin, Texas. Valdo and Michelle have noticed that here in Austin there are movie theaters that serve full meals, just like in regular restaurants. What a great idea, and that is our cultural observation for this lesson. As to the sounds of Portuguese and Spanish, we take on a big one today. Valdo and Michelle help us to understand when Portuguese words that are written with an 's' sound like an 's' and when they sound like a 'z.' Get ready for their five rules! Spanish speaking listeners, get ready to say more 'z' sounds.eat something there. Valdo: That's right. In some of the theaters they serve food. That's cool, right? Michelle: OK then. We'll have pasta with spinach and we'll have a few drinks while watching the movie.

One of the great differences between Spanish and Portuguese is seen in how Brazilians pronounce words that are spelled with 'ti,' which sounds more like 'chee' and how words spelled with 'di' sound more like 'jee.' The fancy word for this is palatalization. But look out, not all Brazilian dialects do it. So, in this lesson we listen to Valdo and Michelle, who both do it. In the next lesson we'll repeat the same dialog to hear what these words sound like without palatalization. As to the culture part of this lesson, Valdo and Michelle talk about the use of cellular phones while driving.ne while driving. Michelle: I can't believe that. Why? Valdo: She lost her teeth in a typical car accident where the driver was using a cell phone while driving. Michelle: How sad! Given that it's a good thing that in Brazil it's against the law to use a cell phone while driving. You could get a ticket!

This lesson takes on some pretty advanced stuff. We're going to talk about 'vowel raising.' No, it really doesn't have anything to do with the Future Farmers of America or with the building of a barn. But, do come on out for some good old Texas ... that is Brazilian 'vowel raisin'.' And don't worry about where to park your pick-up because Valdo and Michelle will also talk to you about parking cars in the U.S. and Brazil. I know, a corny intro, but we just couldn't resist!

Somehow it always seems more difficult to buy food in other countries. We just get used to how everything is done in our home country: park in front of the supermarket, grab the cart, choose your fruits and vegetables, get your packaged meat, find a loaf of bread, pick up a carton of milk. Easy, right? Wrong. Little nuances in how shopping is different can make things more difficult. These shopping challenges are even greater than learning the pronunciation of nasal diphthongs, which is the language topic of this lesson. We're sure that Valdo and Michelle with help us with both.

Often people hear, 'I think Portuguese sounds a lot like French and Spanish combined.' Maybe those that say this are hearing the nasalized vowels in Portuguese, and there are a lot of them. Either way, this lesson introduces the nasalized vowels. As to the cultural element, Michelle and Valdo talk about how surprised they were to see that sometimes invitations to parties in the United States not only tell you when the party starts, but also when the party ends. How bizarre is that?

In this lesson Valdo and Michelle can't figure out why it is so difficult to get medicine from a pharmacy in the United States. This whole idea of going to a doctor first to get a prescription seems to complicate things a lot. It took them a while to get used to it, but it doesn't mean that they have to like it. As to pronunciation, today we look at diphthongs. It's a fancy word, to be sure, but it basically means that we are talking about Portuguese vowel sounds that come one right after another.

Unlike the regular podcast lessons, we've included some other supplementary lessons. Think of these as a sort of Appendix to the regular lessons. In this first supplementary lesson we provide an audio sample of all of the vowel sounds in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. We're sure it will help listeners get a feel for each of the sounds.

Welcome to one of the great challenges of Brazilian Portuguese pronunciation. Sometimes 'e' sounds similar to the English sound in words like 'get, met, set.' Other times Brazilian 'e' sounds like the Spanish 'e' in words like 'bebe, vive, lleve.' Valdo and Michelle help us out. Culturally they also help us understand how different it is for Brazilians to have to worry about personal health insurance.

There is a tendency for almost every vowel in unstressed syllables in English to turn into what is called a 'schwa'. It is the sound like 'uh'. Listen, for example the 'e' in 'delivery'. When learning Spanish, one of the great challenges is to stop saying 'uh.' 'It's 'nada' not 'naduh'! However, in Portuguese Brazilians also pronounce unstressed /a/ as a schwa. You see, all this time you thought you had bad Spanish and you really just have good Portuguese. As to the cultural situation in this lesson, both Michelle and Valdo had to get used to the self-checkout lines at the supermarket.

There's only one Lesson #1. We'll never have a first again. Today we introduce listeners to the team: Orlando, Valdo, Michelle, and José Luis. Pronunciation wise, we'll look at when Brazilians say words with the sound [i] and culturally Michelle and Valdo talk about what it was like to get the bill in restaurants in the United States. Tune in, join our discussion, download the lesson notes, and become part of Brazilpod.

Spanish speakers learn to sing 'a, e, i, o, u, el burro sabe más que tú' and it's a way to show that there are only 5 vowel sounds in Spanish. Portuguese, however, complicates things with what are called 'open' and 'closed' vowel sounds. In this lesson we learn about open /ó/ and closed /ô/. Culturally Michelle and Valdo talk about how different it is to ride a bus in the United States. All we can say is that at least they don't have to cram as tightly into limited space and then wonder the whole time how they are going to get off the bus!

The good news about Lesson #2 is that we're back. It must be that Lesson #1 gave us hope to move on. In this lesson we listen for the sound /u/ in Portuguese. The tricky thing is that many times it is spelled with an 'o.' Culturally, Valdo and Michelle talk to us about not slamming car doors. It's really true, Brazilians are amazed at how hard Americans slam car doors!