Immersive Language Learning with Brazilian Media

As a language instructor, I’m constantly learning a new language to keep a beginner-level perspective. I restarted learning Portuguese in 2020 and as of 2023, I’m continuously learning this language (more on my Portuguese linguistic biography here).

If you are not immersed in a Portuguese-speaking environment, it will be undoubtedly useful to expose yourself to Portuguese media to enhance your language skills. Watching movies, series or videos not only exposes you to authentic conversations and cultural nuances but also makes language learning enjoyable.

European Portuguese vs Brazilian Portuguese

Word of caution: you will notice that these recommendations are in Brazilian Portuguese. I have chosen to focus on Brazilian Portuguese over European Portuguese for several reasons, despite being trained in European Portuguese myself. Let me explain why:

1. A larger number of speakers: Brazilian Portuguese is spoken by a more significant number of people compared to European Portuguese. Brazil has a population of over 200 million, making it the largest Portuguese-speaking country in the world. By choosing Brazilian Portuguese, I can cater to a broader audience and use my language skills that are more widely applicable.

2. Easier comprehension of Brazilian pronunciation: Brazilian Portuguese pronunciation tends to be more straightforward and easier to comprehend. In my perspective, the pronunciation of certain sounds and the overall rhythm and intonation patterns in Brazilian Portuguese are more appealing and have a more natural flow. For instance, their vowels are more wide open in nature than European Portuguese who tend to have more “closely” pronounced vowels. This makes it easier for me to understand and communicate effectively in spoken Portuguese.

3. Access to Brazilian media: Brazilian media, including movies, TV shows, music, and literature, holds significant popularity and influence worldwide. By focusing on Brazilian Portuguese, I had better access to a wide range of authentic materials and cultural references. I still explore European Portuguese creations but I find that they are usually more difficult for me to comprehend at the A2/B1 level. The exposure to Brazilian media enhances my personal language learning experience throughout the years, and I was able to engage with materials that reflect the vibrant and diverse culture of Brazil.

4. Relatability to Filipino culture: I understand the importance of cultural relatability in language learning. The similarities between Brazilian and Filipino culture can create a more comfortable and relatable learning environment. Both cultures share common aspects, such as the strong influence of Catholicism, festive celebrations, warm and hospitable people, and a love for music and dance. Choosing Brazilian Portuguese allows me to draw upon these cultural connections to facilitate a deeper understanding and appreciation for the language. This is not to say that European Portuguese is not relatable but in my personal experience, I find Brazilian culture and way of life more familiar to my Filipino upbringing.

While European Portuguese is undoubtedly a valuable variant, choosing to focus on Brazilian Portuguese provides practical benefits in terms of audience reach, pronunciation comprehension, accessibility to media, and cultural relatability. Ultimately, my goal in learning Portuguese is to be able to communicate with a wide network and put the skills and knowledge that will best serve me in my language-learning journey and real-life interactions.

That being said, here are Brazilian films, series, channels and videos I've watched on Netflix and Youtube and found helpful for language immersion.

Netflix films and series

Movie poster from AlloCiné

Ricos do Amor (Rich in Love) | Trailer here: This romantic comedy offers a lighthearted plot set in beautiful Rio de Janeiro and Paty do Alferes, a municipality 100 km outside of the city of Rio. It follows the story of Teto, a young man from a wealthy family who falls in love with Paula, a med student living in the city of Rio. In an attempt to win Paula's heart, Teto pretends to be broke, hiding his privileged background. As the story unfolds, Teto learns important lessons about love, honesty, and the true meaning of wealth. Set against the stunning backdrop of Rio de Janeiro, this film explores themes of social class, family dynamics, and personal growth. The film showcases everyday Brazilian life and presents colloquial dialogues that can help you pick up conversational (especially Carioca accent/vocabulary) Portuguese. Pay attention to the characters' expressions and mannerisms to deepen your understanding of Brazilian culture. In June 2023, Netflix will release a sequel aptly called Ricos do Amor 2!

Movie Poster from Adoro Cinema

Esposa de Aluguel (Something Borrowed / The Rental Wife) | Trailer here: This comedy-drama is set in São Paulo, reflecting the language spoken in the São Paulo region. This aspect adds an authentic touch to the story and provides learners with exposure to the specific accent and speech patterns of the Paulista dialect.

The story revolves around Luiz, the unico hijo (only son) of the family, who hires a woman, Lina, to pretend to be his wife during a family gathering. The comedic plot unfolds as Luiz and Lina navigate the complexities of their fake relationship and the challenges that arise from this arrangement. Throughout the film, viewers can expect a blend of humor and emotional moments, offering an opportunity to practice listening comprehension and understand different accents and speech patterns. The Paulista variation of Portuguese can be observed in the characters' dialogues, reflecting the linguistic characteristics commonly found in São Paulo.

Movie poster from AlloCiné

Amor.com (Love.com) | Trailer here: Katrina is a successful fashion vlogger who had to hire the technical services of Fernando, who himself owns a Youtube channel. While juggling her online persona and real-life experiences, she develops an intimate relationship with Fernando. As their relationship unfolds both online and offline, Katrina discovers the importance of authenticity, genuine connections, and finding love beyond the virtual realm. This film blends humor, romance, and modern technology to highlight the joys and challenges of contemporary relationships. Through this film, you'll encounter modern Brazilian slang and expressions commonly used in the digital age. It also provides insights into urban Brazilian life and relationships, allowing you to expand your vocabulary in a fun and relatable way.

I want to give a shoutout to my elder sister who recommended and watched these three films with me! Truth be told, I find myself watching these (what I call) “feel-good, no-brainer” films on tough days and it instantly lifts up my spirits.

Poster from AdoroCinéma

Coisa Mais Linda (which translates to “Most Beautiful Thing" in English | Trailer here) is a Brazilian TV series available on Netflix. Set in the late 1950s and early 1960s, it follows the lives of four women as they navigate love, friendship, and self-discovery in Rio de Janeiro. It depicts the feminist struggle during this pivotal period in Brazil when the capital was set to change from Rio to Brasilia.

The series begins with Malu, a young and privileged housewife from São Paulo, who arrives in Rio de Janeiro to surprise her husband. However, she discovers that he has disappeared, leaving her alone and heartbroken. Determined to find him, Malu decides to stay in Rio and open a music club which she calls “Coisa Mais Linda”.

As Malu embarks on this new journey, she encounters a diverse group of women who will play significant roles in her life:

• Adélia, is a woman living in the infamous favelas, who rescues Malu from a fire. She was hostile at Malu’s attempt at friendship but eventually overcomes her own prejudices and they ultimately become business partners and good friends.

• Lígia, Malu’s estranged childhood friend, a sophisticated and independent woman who moved to Rio de Janeiro, brings her own set of secrets and aspirations.

• Thereza, a modern and forward-thinking journalist who becomes a close friend to Malu.

Together, these women overcome personal and professional challenges while navigating the vibrant and evolving music scene in Rio de Janeiro. The series explores themes of female empowerment, overcoming adversity, and the power of friendship in a time of cultural and social change.

Through its storytelling and cinematography, "Coisa Mais Linda" transports viewers to a bygone era in Brazil, showcasing the beauty of bossa nova music, fashion, and the spirit of Rio de Janeiro. It provides a rich cultural backdrop while delving into the personal journeys of the main characters, making it an immersive and engaging series for Portuguese learners looking to improve their language skills while enjoying a captivating story.

Youtube channels

I highly recommend checking out these fantastic Brazilian YouTube channels that have been incredibly helpful for me:

Speaking Brazilian by Virginia Langhammer: Virginia is a language teacher and her channel is a treasure trove of resources for Portuguese learners. She covers a wide range of topics, including grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and cultural insights. Her videos are engaging and informative, making it easier to grasp the intricacies of the Portuguese language. Plus, she provides practical tips and exercises to practice your skills effectively. Fun fact: her series of vlogs in Rio de Janeiro released in February 2023 was my inspiration and push for me to book that ticket later that year in April 2023. I followed most of her itinerary and suggestions to visit Leblon, Copacabana, and Ipanema, and it was through one of her videos that I knew about what would be my favorite destination: Jardim Botânico de Rio de Janeiro and the Real Gabineta Português de Leitura. Read more about my trip here.

Num Pulo: This channel is hosted by Diogo and Paula, who shares insightful videos about travel in Brazil. Their's content is perfect for intermediate to advanced learners, as they discuss various interesting topics on travel, food, experiences, and filming around Brazil (and other international destinations too). Their energetic and engaging style makes learning Portuguese feel like a breeze, and I’ve personally gained a deeper understanding of Brazilian expressions and everyday language use while being mesmerized by their cinematographic rendition of their trips.

Diogo Elzinga: This channel also shares interesting facts about Brazil. He has collections of videos featuring different individual states and cities, but he also makes videos comparing these on different themes: economy, social interactions, food, culture etc. He provides insights into each of the different states and places to visit in the country.

Tesouros do Brasil: This channel is another fantastic resource for exploring the beauty of Brazil. Hosted by the seemingly always energetic João Victor, it showcases the country's natural wonders, historical sites, and cultural traditions through stunning visuals and informative narration. By watching his videos, you'll not only improve your Portuguese listening skills but also gain a deeper appreciation for the rich diversity and beauty of Brazil. It's like taking a virtual tour across the country! I also personally followed his recommendations for my trips to Rio de Janeiro, Tiradentes and Belo Horizonte.

I initially watch these films with English subtitles, then rewatch the same content with Portuguese subtitles. As comprehension improves, I will remove the subtitles and watch it a third time. Sometimes, I pause, rewind, and take note of new words or phrases I encounter. Engaging in regular movie-watching sessions like these undoubtedly contributes to the language-learning journey. And whenever I find myself in situations or contexts where I can finally use the expressions I’ve only heard or encountered in these videos, well, I feel nothing short of delighted!

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