Starting a conversation can sometimes be a daunting task, especially when you’re trying to connect with someone in a language that’s not your native tongue. If you’re learning Portuguese or simply looking to engage with Portuguese speakers, having a few conversation starters up your sleeve can make all the difference. Whether you’re traveling to a Portuguese-speaking country or chatting online, these conversation starters will help you break the ice and create meaningful connections.

Make Connections

Remember, the key to a successful conversation is genuine interest and active listening. Ask open-ended questions, show curiosity about the other person’s experiences, and don’t be afraid to share a little about yourself too. Conversations are a wonderful way to learn, connect, and build lasting relationships, so dive into the world of Portuguese with these conversation starters and make meaningful connections!

The post Breaking the Ice: Portuguese Conversation Starters to Connect with Others appeared first on Modern Language School.

Portuguese Fish Supper

Portuguese cooking has in recent years become famous for its peri peri dishes thanks to popular restaurant chain
Nandos. However, Portugal’s long Mediterranean coastline has historically led to an abundance of popular fish dishes. In fact Portugal’s name derives from the Spanish word for port, highlighting the countries longstanding historical relation with the sea. This recipe harks back to Portugal’s fishing roots, oh and it tastes delicious too!

Ingredients

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1/3 pound Spanish style chorizo, casing removed and diced or crumbled

1 medium onion, chopped

2 large cloves garlic, chopped

1 small bundle black or dinosaur kale, thinly sliced

A few grates of nutmeg

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 cup chicken stock

1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce

1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes or fire roasted diced tomatoes

1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained

A couple sprigs fresh thyme, leaves chopped

4 (6 to 8-ounce) thick pieces cod or haddock fillets

Seafood seasoning or sweet paprika (recommended: Old Bay)

Chopped flat-leaf parsley, for garnish

Crusty bread or rolls or Portuguese rolls, for mopping

Prep: 25 mins

Cook: 45 mins

Method

1. Heat the extra-virgin olive oil over medium-high heat in a high-sided frying pan or Dutch oven. Add the chorizo and render for a couple of minutes, then add the onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes.

2. Add the kale and toss to wilt, then season with a few grates of nutmeg and salt and pepper, to taste. Stir in the stock, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, chickpeas and thyme. Bring to a simmer and cook over low heat for 10 minutes. Cool and store for a made in advance meal.
3. Reheat the sauce, covered, in high-sided frying pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until sauce is hot and bubbly, about 10 to 15 minutes. Season the fish with seafood seasoning or paprika and salt and pepper, to your preference. Add the fish to the sauce and cover.

4. Cook until the fish is opaque and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Place using a ladle into shallow bowls garnished with parsley. Serve with crusty bread for mopping.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/portuguese-fish-supper-recipe.html?oc=linkback

The post Savours of languages – Portugal appeared first on Modern Language School.

Remembering to use these in Portuguese can be tricky, but don’t worry! If you miss some contractions when you speak, people will still understand you!

Take a look at combining em + o. Em means in/on and o means the, But em o doesn’t exist in Portuguese, they use the contraction no:

no banheiro in the bathroom

no quarto in the room

no teto on the roof

Take a look what happens with feminine nouns, Instead of no, you have na, nos (masculine plural) and nas (feminine plural)

na mesa on the table

nos livros in books

nas praias on beaches

The post Making contractions in Portuguese! appeared first on Modern Language School.