LISBON LANGUAGE CAFÉ was founded in September 2014.
It is located in the centre of Lisbon (Belém/Ajuda) and was created with the aim of teaching the Portuguese language to foreigners. If you want to learn Portuguese in Lisbon, we recommend the Lisbon Language Café.
LEARN PORTUGUESE IN LISBON AND ONLINE
Each course has a MAXIMUM OF 4 STUDENTS PER CLASS. Lisbon Language Café gives classes in Lisbon and Sintra.
METHODOLOGY
It is common in language schools for students to hear 75% of class time and speak the remaining 25%.
At Lisbon Language Café a teaching-learning methodology is used which allows students to listen and speak throughout the class (level A1.2 and above).
This teaching format is very effective in the language learning process!
TEACHING OPTIONS
How long do I need to be fluent in Portuguese?
If you are learning Portuguese, we are sure you have already asked yourself the following question: How long do I need to be fluent in Portuguese? The answer is not easy because it depends on many different things. Here is our vision:
Learning a foreign language for the first time
If this is the first time you learn a second language in your life, it will take a little longer. In fact, there are basic grammatical concepts that can help you understand how the new language works.
Being comfortable with concepts such as regular verbs, irregular verbs, adverbs, adjectives and other grammatical concepts will speed up your learning process.
Free time available
Learning Portuguese or another foreign language is not a quick process. It takes time and we usually say you should think of it as a marathon. You have to study, review, consolidate and work hard. To do so, you will have to spend some of your free time with this new language.
Don’t expect perfection soon
After a few months you will be able to start communicating a bit in Portuguese, but you will need much more time to be fluent in Portuguese.
As a Portuguese teacher I can tell you that I have already had students who after 1 year finished level B1 but also have students who after 2 years were still working at level A2.
Are you used to learning (in general)?
People who are used to learning new things learn a new language faster. If your brain is agile you will learn Portuguese much faster than someone who is not mentally agile.
Can you speak Italian or Spanish?
If that’s your case, you’ll be glad to know that learning Portuguese will be easier!
There are many words and grammar rules that are super similar (when comparing Portuguese, Spanish and Italian).
THE PORTUGUESE LANGUAGE IS DIFFICULT?
All Portuguese students ask the following question: “Is Portuguese a difficult language to learn?
There is no simple answer to this question. It depends on many different things, for example:
1- Your motivation to learn Portuguese
2- Your language training
3- Your learning skills
4- Your teacher and the materials you will use
If you decided to learn Portuguese in Lisbon you should know that this is the best way to learn the language. You have to immerse yourself in the Portuguese language and culture. The capital of Portugal is beautiful, Lisbon is multicultural and full of history.
See the advantages of taking a Portuguese course in Lisbon as a gateway to the Portuguese language:
1- You can make friendly conversations in cafés, supermarkets, bars, discos…
2- You will order Portuguese food and beverages in Portuguese
3- You can participate in conversation classes and meet other native Portuguese students and teachers.
Portuguese Food
“Food, glorious food!” – One of the things everyone likes about Lisbon
Try the Portuguese gastronomy and you will be delighted with it!
Ask for recommendations, try different dishes and don’t forget to taste the fresh fish!
The Portuguese are very proud when it comes to food and wine. In Lisbon you will not only learn Portuguese, but you will also taste the best gastronomy in the world.
Many students engage in conversation with the locals, discussing food and drink.
Eating out is a tremendous part of Portuguese culture and it will be great to practice and consolidate your knowledge of the Portuguese language.
The Portuguese language is a gateway!
Usually native Portuguese speakers can use several other languages. Why does this happen?
Check these 4 facts you may know about why we speak so many languages.
Reason #1: Universal Grammar
It is a linguistic concept, used to describe how speakers are born with the ability to understand different idioms. The Portuguese language has many different sounds.
Portuguese sounds include most sounds of other languages. Consequently, we find it easier to learn other languages.
See the following examples:
nh’ in’ June’;
lh’ in ‘July’;
õe’ in ‘pon’, which are rarer to find in other languages/languages.
Portuguese is similar to Latin languages
Portuguese is a Latin language. Many of the words and vocabulary are very similar to other European languages, such as Italian and Spanish.
This gives us a great advantage in reading, writing, and also understanding.
Portuguese is spoken in a closed way (we are sure you have noticed…), which means that speakers tend to develop a great ability to hear other languages that are spoken more clearly than Portuguese.
Subtitled films
Native Portuguese speakers grow up with television programs and films mostly subtitled in Portuguese.
Portuguese people are used to hearing original voices, especially with English language films.
Tourism
With the high number of tourists visiting Portugal every year, locals have many opportunities to practice their language skills. From taxi drivers to receptionists, almost all Portuguese can speak at least a little English.
For those who want to practice Portuguese, the capital of Lisbon can be a difficult place to practice their Portuguese with the locals, as almost everyone can understand and say a few words in English.
Other reasons why you should learn Portuguese in Lisbon!
GASTRONOMY IN LISBON
In Lisbon, food is great and cheap! The quality of the food is an important part of Portuguese culture and the capital of Portugal is an incredible city for those who like to eat well!
The food in Lisbon is diverse, with Mediterranean influences like Arabs. There are many restaurants in Lisbon, some of them are for tourists but it will be easy for you to find Portuguese restaurants. There you will pay very little for a lot.
Portugal is famous for its “pasteis de nata”, cod, snails and wine. Coffee is also very important in Portuguese culture. Five or six espressos per day is something very normal for a Portuguese person.
LOW PRICES AND QUALITY OF LIFE
Lisbon is a competitive city but offers a feeling of relaxation. The city has an abundance of activities to do at a very low price. If you like to relax, if you like surfing, beaches, Lisbon is your city.
The capital of Portugal has been ranked as one of the best cities in the world to live in. Learning Portuguese in Lisbon is much cheaper than learning Portuguese in Brazil, Angola or Mozambique. To live well in Lisbon, 1200 euros are enough and this budget includes accommodation.
PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES IN LISBON
The language of Camões can be very important for your work or your business. If you can speak Portuguese well, your chances of getting a new job will increase. There are not many foreigners who can speak Portuguese well.
The number of start-ups in Lisbon is growing rapidly. This is the perfect time to immerse yourself in this great culture and great city, Lisbon!
