Learn the “Lingo” or live life in an “Expat Bubble”!
I am a great advocate of the fact that when you move to a new country you ‘attempt’ to gain, at the very least, a basic understanding of both language and culture. Without this ‘basic’ knowledge so much of everyday life and cultural opportunities are lost, and you effectively live a parallel existence in your new environment; there in body but not quite in mind. You still watch English TV, read English Newspapers and mainly interact with your fellow compatriots or those who speak English.
I accept, everyone is not a natural linguist and I certainly do not fall into that category – far from it! Despite years of studying Portuguese very little has permeated the grey matter and words just float aimlessly in my memory in disjointed sentences. However, on a positive note, I now often read a Portuguese…
Sheesh! Bloody foreigners!
🙂
My brother in law once told the best way to learn to speak Portuguese was to eat lots of potatoes.
It didn’t help, and neither did it help my waistline!
*Smile*
I still struggle, even after 30 years of marriage to a Portuguese. But I would never starve if I lived there – and I would like to retire there I think.
And I’m pretty sure I’ll be rattling it off within six months to a year.
But for now and in my defense I live in a (primarily) English speaking country / environment.
But you live in Portugal for goodness’ sake! Come ON, Piglet. No more excuses.!
Hora de desabar e aprender!
🙂
Piglet in Portugal 
Sheesh! Bloody foreigners!
🙂
My brother in law once told the best way to learn to speak Portuguese was to eat lots of potatoes.
It didn’t help, and neither did it help my waistline!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I feel like an Alien.
LikeLike
*Smile*
I still struggle, even after 30 years of marriage to a Portuguese. But I would never starve if I lived there – and I would like to retire there I think.
And I’m pretty sure I’ll be rattling it off within six months to a year.
But for now and in my defense I live in a (primarily) English speaking country / environment.
But you live in Portugal for goodness’ sake! Come ON, Piglet. No more excuses.!
Hora de desabar e aprender!
🙂
LikeLike