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If you ever set foot in Calgary, you probably realized that one of the things that make the city stand out is its great diversity. According to Canada’s 2016 census, Calgary is home to more than 240 ethnic origins, making it the third most diverse city in the country. Unsurprisingly, over 120 languages are spoken in the city, which makes perfect sense if you take into consideration that almost 30% of Calgarians are immigrants. What you might not know, though, is that, among this wide range of languages, Portuguese is one of the most commonly used.
One of the fastest-spreading languages in the world, Portuguese can be heard in most major cities. Although it originated in Portugal, nowadays only 5% of its native speakers can be found there, while the rest reside in countries as varied as Brazil, Guinea-Bissau, and Angola. As you might have heard, there are two main Portuguese variants you can learn, the original European variety and the warm Brazilian one. When it comes to choosing which one to learn, the decision is entirely yours, but don’t overthink it! Both of them will expand your horizons just as much and fill your life with many incredible experiences.
Was it the musical sounds of Portuguese that sparked your attention? You will be happy to learn that this captivating language also happens to be the key to advancing in your career. It is no secret that, as the world becomes more global, the demand for professionals who can communicate in multiple languages grows more and more every day. Nowadays speaking more than one language is not only necessary to communicate with people from other countries, but also to connect with the part of the local community who speak a different language than English. This is especially true if you live in Calgary, which has one of the highest levels of net migration in Canada. For this reason, companies in the area are constantly looking for applicants who are fluent in languages like Portuguese for job positions that include Customer Service Representative, Solution Architect, and Dedicated Services Engineer.
Additionally, if you’re interested in working abroad, learning Portuguese will open the doors to many wonderful destinations. Brazil, for example, has the seventh-largest economy in the world, and it also happens to be one of the most beautiful countries out there. Its idyllic beaches and incredible landscapes are a huge draw for anyone looking to experience a tropical paradise where many great job opportunities can be found, especially in areas like IT, finance, and engineering.
Do you want to immerse yourself in Brazilian culture without leaving Calgary? Thanks to
The Brazilian Community Association of Alberta, you can do just that! This non-profit organization has been promoting Brazilian art and culture in the entire province since 2003. Throughout the year, they organize many festivals inspired by Brazilian traditions. The first one, in January, is Réveillon, held at the Scandinavian Hall, located at 739 20 Ave NW, a celebration where people gather to welcome the new year. It’s a great way to listen to traditional Brazilian music while you engage in a good luck ritual that will make the first day of the year extra special.
Another fascinating festival you can attend is Carnaval, inspired by one of the greatest cultural celebrations in Brazil. Held at Acadia Hall at 240 90 Ave SE, this festival has many activities for the whole family that include face painting, costume contests for kids, and percussion workshops. What’s more, you’ll be able to enjoy international musicians and dance groups who especially come to Calgary for this Event.
Although learning a language by yourself is all right, there’s nothing quite like meeting other language enthusiasts along the way. In Calgary, you can attend one of the events held by Calgary Portuguese Language, a free language group that meets regularly at Mazaj Lounge & Restaurant South, located at 9223 Macleod Trail SW. Just get a language poster that says “Portuguese” from one of the waiters and put it on your table as you wait for others to arrive. Once you find your language partner, you can choose one of the many ice breakers suggested by the group and start practicing your language skills.
If you want to boost your Portuguese oral skills, the University of Calgary offers a conversational Brazilian Portuguese Language course for beginner and intermediate students that will provide you with a deeper understanding of Brazilian pronunciation. On the other hand, If you want to improve your listening skills, you should check some of the events organized by Brazilians & Canadian Friends of Brazil in Alberta, who constantly promote Brazilian cinema in Calgary. But if what you want is to sound like a native Portuguese speaker and become fluent fast, Listen & Learn is the best place for you to study. Our Portuguese courses stand out from the rest because instead of using outdated materials we offer lessons that are completely tailored to your goals and interests. Whether you want an intensive course or a more flexible one, just contact us and one of our team members will pair you up with a teacher that will create the perfect course for you. Don’t waste any more time! Take the first step to becoming multilingual today.
Portuguese lessons of this type are broader and are aimed towards students with a variety of requirements. While all beginner level students will cover survival Portuguese - needed for short visits to countries where English isn't widely spoken, or if you wish to 'go local'; those studying Portuguese usually go in different directions at this point, depending on what they need. Those who have benefitted from these Portuguese classes have been those investing in or buying property overseas, those married to overseas nationals, people setting off on a round-the-world trip, enthusiasts in Portuguese culture, and those enthusiastic to pass a specific exam in Portuguese. Inquire now about our Portuguese Courses or Take A Free Portuguese Level Test
Portuguese lessons of this type are aimed towards those that need to learn Portuguese to aid them with their employment. For those just starting out, it is integral to learn basic greetings and business etiquette; and reading and writing can be adopted once the simple precepts are out of the way. Success has come from students who are involved in import/export, international negotiations and acquisitions, those seeking jobs in multinational companies, and those working with foreign colleagues, academia and bureaucracy. Just our most basic beginners lesson will have the student finishing the lesson with basic telephone/e-mail skills in Portuguese, as well as survival Portuguese should a short stay in the country be needed. Inquire now about our Portuguese Courses or Take A Free Portuguese Level Test
The Portuguese lessons are also available for 2 or more people studying together (Two-to-One Portuguese Lesson or Small Group In-Company Portuguese Lesson). All participants must have the same level, the same business or general language needs and be able to study at the same time in the same location. The booking must be made for all participants at the same time. Listen & Learn do not recommend group classes of more than 6-8 people although In-Company Taster Portuguese Lessons can be run with up to 12 people. Inquire now about our Portuguese Courses or Take A Free Portuguese Level Test
Our native speaker qualified Portuguese language teachers can train you and your colleagues at your office or home at a time to suit you. Classes can be any day of the week (even weekends) in the morning, afternoon or evening. In certain circumstances, if your home or office is not suitable, you can take your classes at the trainer's office. Lesson books are provided. Inquire now about our Portuguese Courses or Take A Free Portuguese Level Test
Those wishing to learn Portuguese in groups of 2 or more together (Two-to-One Portuguese Lessons or Small Group In-Company Portuguese Lessons) can sign up for our group classes. All students must be at nearly the same level of Portuguese proficiency, must have the same needs from the language, and must be able to study at the same time and place as the others. Bookings must be made for all students simultaneously. Listen & Learn do not propose group sizes or more than 6-8 people, but In-Company Taster Portuguese Lessons can occur with up to 12 people. Inquire now about our Portuguese Courses or Take A Free Portuguese Level Test
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