260 million people speak Portuguese. Be the 260,000,001ST.
WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR?
Self-learners.
Learners who want to complement other courses or learning methods.
Learners interested in a more practical and less theoretical approach.
Learners looking for essential aspects of spoken European Portuguese presented in order of accessibility.
Learners who want to learn everything required to start using the language.
WHO ISN’T THIS COURSE FOR?
Learners of Brazilian Portuguese.
Learners who want to learn a language without any effort.
People who just want to know phrases to use on vacation.
People who think it is possible to learn a language without ever learning grammar.
Learners who like to see their tutor’s face in every corner of the course.
Rabbits (exceptions can be made).
WHAT IS THIS COURSE?
This course follows a practical approach to language learning without ignoring how essential it is to learn some rules. Explanations are straight to the point, focusing on aspects of the language necessary to communicate, to build sentences and to understand what is said to us, while still acknowledging the less colloquial aspects (identifying them as an interesting and useful part of the language, but not as a requirement to begin expressing yourself). It explains in depth each fundamental skill required to communicate in Portuguese, but using simple, accessible language, without too many linguistic terms and grammatical abstractions. All units include voice samples and multiple examples. And there is also a section with practice material (videos and text).
Area: 92,212 km2 or 35,603 sq mi More or less the size of Maine. If you're not from the US, please compare it yourself to some other place in your country. Obrigado.
Portugal has been independent since 1128, 1139 or 1143, depending on which historian you ask or on your definition of independence. It is one of the oldest countries in Europe. And one of the nicest (debatable).
ABOUT PORTUGAL
Capital: Lisboa (Lisbon). Other important cities: Porto, Coimbra, Braga, Setúbal, Faro, Funchal. (I didn't leave your favourite out on purpose. Desculpa lá.)
The language of Portugal is Portuguese. There is also a second language spoken by around 15.000 people in the Northeastern region of Trás-os-Montes called Mirandese. It looks like this: "Oulá. Esta ye la léngua mirandesa. Adius i até a la bista."
Population: 10,344,802 people (according to the 2021 census). Give or take a Pedro or a João.
The Portuguese like to eat and drink. Some things the Portuguese eat and drink are famous, like pastéis de nata or the different high quality wines. Others are less famous, like baba de camelo or jeropiga.
Portugal is a republic since 1910. It has a prime-minister (like the UK) and also a president (like the US). The prime-minister is in charge of running the country, but the president can have something to say about it.
The national tree of Portugal is the cork oak. Our national flower is the plastic rose and our national animal is the platypus. Two of these are not true. Guess.
ABOUT ME
My name is Renato, and I am Portuguese (I have several pieces of paper and an extreme fondness for “bacalhau” to prove it).
I started the Simpleton Portuguese YouTube channel back in 2020, when everyone in the world was sent home and there wasn’t much else to do. Since then, I discovered I really like helping people learn Portuguese. I am still making videos, teaching classes and creating learning material and I will go on doing so until I reach my ultimate goal of having EVERYONE in the world become fluent in Portuguese. We’re almost there, but we need you to join the ranks!
PS: No, I don’t have Cristiano Ronaldo’s phone number. Sorry.
Some opinions from my students. Past and present.
“I used Renato's services about 2 1/2 years ago, having class 5 days/week for 1 year. These lessons were sufficient to prepare me for passing the A1 and A2 course. I am now in the final two months of the B1 level and I needed some private tutoring to help me to understand some of the complex Portuguese verbs and to prepare me to pass the next exam. It was time and money well-spent. Renato is an excellent tutor who has a iron-fisted grasp on both English and Portuguese. He has the ability to explain the language so the student can comprehend and use it daily. He is flexible, tailoring the teaching to the needs of the student. I recommend Renato to anyone learning European Portuguese. I live in Portugal and his lessons, past and recent, enable me to make my way through the local Portuguese scene.”
J. New Zealand
“Renato is engaging, motivating and helpful. I was nervous about whether I would be able to string two words together, but he put me at ease and we had an enjoyable two-way conversation where I felt comfortable and was given help and corrections when needed, but also a lot of encouragement. Very worthwhile, and I learnt a lot!”
T. Denmark
“Um prazer , como sempre . Don't just think about lessons with Renato, start today.”
M.G. United Kingdom
“Renato is very friendly, knowledgeable and patient, with a good sense of humour. I have been taking lessons with him since 2021 and still learn new things during conversation practice. In my experience, Renato adapts very well to the linguistic proficiency level of his student. There is also a very good balance between the speaking time of the student and the teacher. I would highly recommend him for all levels.”
I. Germany
“Renato is an excellent teacher (patient, knowledgeable, and encouraging). I'm looking forward to my next lesson!”
M. United States