Introduction
Almost every sound in Portuguese has an English equivalent. As a result, if you’re an English native speaker, you may have a bright chance to master Portuguese pronunciation easily! Even the Portuguese sounds, which might be a little challenging at times, are not nearly as difficult as some of the unusual sounds in other languages. Another feature that makes learning this language easier, at least for English speakers, is the fact that the two alphabets are identical. So, first, we’ll look at how Portuguese vowels are pronounced, and then we’ll look at how Portuguese consonants are pronounced.
The vowel sounds are a logical first step in learning Portuguese pronunciation. Fortunately, there are fewer vowel sounds in Portuguese than in English. Unlike English, which has two (long and short) or more sounds for each of its five vowels, Portuguese only has one. And the consonants are simple as the English language for which a little hard work needed to accomplish it.
What Is the Importance of Correct Portuguese Pronunciation?
Good Understanding
If communicating with native speakers is important to you when learning Portuguese, you need to understand when you speak and comprehend what they are saying. After all, the point of language is null and invalid if no one understands it! To be understood, you must be able to speak the language in a style that is familiar, or at least recognisable, to native speakers.
When studying a new language, you will discover that the more competent you are, the more difficult it becomes! For example, practically every language has a vocabulary that appears to be the same in writing yet has quite distinct meanings because the words are pronounced differently. This means that you can utter a word in Portuguese and the meaning of the phrase will change completely due to a little alteration in pronunciation. This, understandably, can lead to some rather humiliating situations! In the worst-case scenario, a native speaker will be confused by your mispronunciation of the Portuguese language.
Good Communication
Not knowing how to pronounce Portuguese or any other language correctly can cause a lot of frustration since you won’t be able to communicate yourself and will be misunderstood. Even if you know everything there is to know about Portuguese grammar and can write it fluently, not knowing how to speak it properly will only lead to a lot of disappointment.
A Good Impression
It is possible to speak any language perfectly even if you are a complete beginner. You’ll create a better impression on native speakers this way, and once you’re more proficient, you’ll command a lot more respect than a fumbling beginner speaker who doesn’t care about perfect pronunciation.
People are usually tolerant of someone learning a new language, but if you work hard on your accent, native speakers are more likely to address you and participate in conversation with you. Simply because you’ll be able to communicate with one another! As a result, being able to pronounce words correctly can mean the difference between having no friends who speak Portuguese and having a large number of them.
Learning appropriate Portuguese is also a gesture of respect for the language, as well as native speakers and their customs.
Quick steps for Learning the Correct Portuguese Pronunciation
Use voice recording tools to perfect your pronunciation
The Portuguese language has a variety of resources to assist in your pronunciation, so make use of various recordings with native Portuguese speakers on various online platforms. These are provided not only to show you how to speak Portuguese vocabulary but also to show you how to speak sentences and dialogues. Repeat watching and listening to these to improve your listening skill and start practicing regularly.
Train your ear to the language!
Make an effort to listen to Portuguese music and audiobooks on a regular basis, as well as to watch Portuguese movies and/or TV shows in Portuguese. This will sensitize your ear to the language, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly you pick up the accent. Remember, this is how we learnt to speak as children – by largely listening to grownups speak and repeating what they say!
Use Portuguese Dictionary
Dictionary is one of the essential things that should be considered during your language learning journey. When it comes to learning Portuguese, it is mandatory to keep a small dictionary along with access to an online dictionary, it will help throughout your language learning.
Make friends with a Portuguese native speaker.
Don’t be afraid to communicate with them in Portuguese! When you make a speech error, ask them to correct you – it’s a great method to practise and learn the language while also making new friends.
Practice your pronunciation with your Portuguese teacher!
Consider investing in the Multibhashi Edu-tech language learning platform if you’re a dedicated student who doesn’t know where to meet fluent Portuguese speakers or learn from experienced educators. This means you’ll have your native Portuguese instructor to practise pronunciation with, among other things. Send your Portuguese teacher recordings of yourself speaking the language and receive comments, believe me, it will work and will improve your Portuguese pronunciation.
