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October 25, 2012 | Portuguese

Study a Language, Reduce Blood Pressure

Learning a language minimizes life irritation.

This morning I walked across Central Park to a doctor’s appointment. Fall is clearly here. The park was crowded with tourists speaking languages other than English and leaves were dropping to the ground. Strawberry Fields, Central Park I listened…

October 22, 2012 | Portuguese

More Fun with Portuguese Grammar

And maybe a little bemusement.

I am still making my way through my Modern Brazilian Portuguese Grammar books (both the practical guide and the accompanying workbook) by John Whitlam.  John Whitlam’s Portuguese Grammar Books I find them responsible. They are…

October 21, 2012 | Portuguese

A Field Trip: Brazil in Astoria

In which I am somewhat foiled in my efforts to take pictures of Brazilian food.

I have been silent but studying. I confess that I set aside Portuguese for two weeks in late September to work daily on the perpetually-in-progress language-resources directory for this website—but I did then return to the Portuguese, although on…

September 16, 2012 | Portuguese

Future Subjunctive?!

In which I come face-to-face with another grammatical phenomenon I didn't know existed.

Last month I encountered for the first time in my life—as far as I know and can remember—something called the future subjunctive. Sources of Grammatical Drama Seeing it for the first time prompted in me a highly intellectual…

September 14, 2012 | Portuguese

Personal Infinitives!

An unusual feature of Portuguese grammar.

Yesterday I decided I would visit a few consulates of different Portuguese-speaking countries and see what I could learn. The problem is, now that I no longer drink coffee, I tend to go to sleep and wake up earlier. Where…

September 9, 2012 | Portuguese

Prescriptivism Versus Descriptivism

One of my Portuguese grammar books is trying to teach me spoken Portuguese.

Over the past few days I have been working a lot in my Modern Brazilian Portuguese Grammar. Written by John Whitlam and published by Routledge, it actually consists of two parts: a “practical” guide and a workbook. Teaching…

September 5, 2012 | Portuguese

The 28th Annual Brazilian Day NY Festival

Midtown Manhattan full of music, food, and festivities, Brazilian style!

On Sunday, my husband, Brandt, and I journeyed from home to Little Brazil for the annual Brazilian Day in New York festival. This journey was about a mile and a half. That’s one of the things I love about…

September 1, 2012 | Portuguese

Little Brazil

Today was Lavagem da Rua 46, which translates as "Cleansing of 46th Street."

Little Brazil in New York City is little. It lies on 46th Street between 5th and 6th avenues, and there are on this particular block enough other languages/countries represented in the retail establishments that in the past, when walking…

August 22, 2012 | Portuguese

A Change of Plan

I am adding some time to Portuguese.

As previously documented, I have had some mysterious vision troubles for more than a month now. These have prevented me from pursuing grammar with my usual abandon. I Need to Dig In! Because of my mutinous eyeballs, I would like…

August 15, 2012 | Portuguese

Many Ways “to Be” in Portuguese

I think I have already encountered five ways to render "to be" in Portuguese...

Rainy day in New York today! Days like this are so romantic. I taught an all-day grammar course for one of my corporate clients today. I always love teaching grammar, but this was one of my favorite such classes in…