As we step into the Ano Novo (New Year), it’s the perfect time to set language-learning goals that will propel your journey forward. Adopting effective resolutions can make all the difference for Portuguese enthusiasts like us. Let’s explore 5 proven Language New Year’s Resolutions to make it a year of linguistic achievements.
1. Daily Vocabulary Challenge
Commit to learning a new Portuguese word (or words) every day. They don’t have to be complex or a pronunciation headache. And this also doesn’t mean memorizing long lists of words or transactional sentences. As you know, I’m a huge fan of comprehensible input methods and I find learning words in context is much more satisfying and effective. So even if you can only manage 5 to 10 minutes a day to dedicate to Portuguese then choose something you like. Have fun with it. This could be watching the news or listening to a podcast or YouTube video on a topic you like. If you find this too difficult for now then please take a look at my immersive videos or try Day 2 of the 30-Day Free Portuguese Challenge. Can’t find a topic you like? Please email me and let me know what you’d be interested in seeing more of.
If you prefer a more traditional approach then you can work from a specific list of words (here are a few suggestions) or use a random word generator like this one. But please don’t limit yourself to memorizing the words. Take it a step further and write them out and put them into a relevant sentence, for instance:
Example sentences:
2. Cultural Immersion Through Media
Incorporate Portuguese media into your daily routine. You can find a radio channel you like or maybe a TV show to watch. RTPplay has no shortage of different things to watch and listen to. Look at my Learn Portuguese Through Music page for some Portuguese songs and this post to find out where you can find Portuguese-spoken programs and films.
3. Interactive Conversations
Engage in regular conversations with native speakers. This is possible even if you do not live in Portugal. You can join my FB community or my Patreon community. There are other options online such as Italki (not free) or Polyglotclub (free). (I’m not affiliated or connected with either Italki or Polyglotclub).
4. Journaling in Portuguese
Start a Portuguese journal to track your language progress. Be creative and write about whatever you like. You can journal your day what you did last week or what plans you have for next week. In that way, you can practice writing in the past, present and future tenses. It also makes chatting with your neighbours a little easier next time you see them. You can carry it around and write down it anytime you encounter something in Portuguese you don’t understand. Feel free to email me about these situations too! Maybe I can make a video or post about it. You’ll be surprised you’re not the only one! Check this post out for examples.
5. Travel Plans
Plan a trip to a Portuguese-speaking destination. Get yourself a little pocket phrasebook for all your transactional needs. These little books offer lots of practical vocabulary to help you get around. Is one of many ways to get started learning Portuguese.
Unlocking Fluency: Exclusive Tips and Resources
Achieving language fluency requires personalized strategies and additional resources. Here’s an exclusive section for our patrons, providing advanced insights and resources to boost your Portuguese learning journey.
1. Advanced Vocabulary Boost: Dive deeper into nuanced Portuguese expressions and idioms that will set you apart in conversations. Examples include “Saudade” (a deep emotional state of nostalgic or profound melancholic longing) and “Desenrascar” (the ability to improvise and find a solution in difficult situations).
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3. Virtual Immersion Experience: Access exclusive online platforms and immersive experiences that simulate real-life interactions with native Portuguese speakers. Virtual language exchanges, forums, and curated content enhance your conversational skills and cultural understanding.
4. Lesson Plans: Receive a weekly language learning plan from me in 2024 (for beginners). This comprehensive plan will include a mix of reading materials, exercises, and interactive activities designed to maximize your language acquisition. One is released every week.
5. Live Q&A Sessions: Join live Q&A sessions with language experts, providing you with the opportunity to seek advice, clarify doubts, and receive instant feedback. These sessions will focus on refining your pronunciation, grammar, and overall language proficiency.
By becoming a patron, you’ll unlock a treasure trove of resources that go beyond the conventional language learning experience, propelling you towards fluency and cultural mastery. Your support enables me to create more tailored content and foster a vibrant community of Portuguese language enthusiasts. Obrigada!
Achieving Your Language-Learning Resolutions
Defina prioridades e objetivos realistas (Set priorities and realistic goals).
Quantity isn’t quality: mais vale ter menos objetivos, mas realistas, do que uma lista demasiado ambiciosa que vai ficar esquecida (it’s better to have fewer, realistic goals than an overly ambitious list that will be forgotten).
Seja o mais específico possível e verá como é mais fácil passar da ideia à ação (Be as specific as possible, and you’ll see how much easier it is to move from idea to action).
Estabeleça prazos e metas intermédias (Set deadlines and interim milestones) to reinforce commitment.
Não seja demasiado rígido (Don’t be too rigid).
Aceite o que correu menos bem, festeje as conquistas e revisite a lista no ano seguinte (Accept what didn’t go well, celebrate achievements, and revisit the list the following year).