Taken over two terms, this is an intensive ab initio course designed for students who have had little or no exposure to Portuguese. It aims to take you from basic to pre-intermediate level, matching the linguistic ability of level A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), with some aspects of B1 also being explored. The General Language class is designed to help you practise and gradually build up confidence in spoken and written Portuguese. Both the European and Brazilian varieties are explored. The intensive grammar classes establish the foundations for the reading and translation of more advanced texts. The translation classes equip you with the relevant competences to tackle translations of literary and non-fiction texts from Portuguese into English. They will also help you work towards accurate translations from English into Portuguese. Over the two terms, you will learn about some key Lusophone writers, artists, contemporary and historical personalities, watch carefully selected video materials, and familiarise yourself with some of the key media outlets of the Lusophone world. Culture is a key component of PORT language modules at UCL and, throughout your degree, you will be introduced to the rich musical traditions of Portugal, Brazil and Lusophone Africa. Samba, Bossa Nova, Funk, Choro, Tropicália, Fado, Morna, Funaná: music aids memory in foreign language learning and is an excellent way to improve your listening and pronunciation skills. 



By the end of the module, you will be able to communicate fluently in a wide range of everyday situations, hold conversations on routine topics, write and translate simple texts into Portuguese, and read and translate more advanced Portuguese texts into English. You will be acquainted with key aspects of Lusophone cultures across the globe and be able to establish connections between the language classes and the literary and intellectual worlds explored in the PORT* content modules. We will encourage you to work over the summer to ensure that you start Year 2 with confidence. 

Preparatory Reading

Your tutor will make use of a combination of online resources, grammars, textbooks, and other materials. You are asked to bring the following books to class. Whilst the library has copies for reference or short loan, purchasing these materials is strongly recommended for use in class and at home: 


Anna Klobucka et al, Ponto de Encontro: Portuguese as a World Language, second edition, Pearson Education Limited, 2013. ISBN-13: 978-1292022482, 



Carla Oliveira e Luísa Coelho, Gramática Aplicada. Português para Estrangeiros. Níveis A1, A2, B1, Texto Editores, 2016. ISBN-13: 9789724734705.