Eight World-Famous Celebrities who Speak Portuguese Fluently as a Foreign Language

Posted on 12/02/2025 by Jorge Sette under Aprender português, art

Portuguese is among the top 10 most spoken languages in the world, and it should not come as a surprise that some world-famous celebrities have learned to speak it fluently. Whether through personal connections, professional reasons, or sheer curiosity, these celebrities have embraced the Portuguese language and culture. Here are some notable names:

Shakira

Shakira, the world-famous singer and dancer, learned to speak Portuguese because of her connection with Brazil. Early in her career, she worked extensively in Brazil and developed a love for the country and its language. Shakira’s dedication to learning Portuguese has paid off, and she is now quite fluent in it.

Annabelle Wallis

Annabelle Wallis, an English actress known for her roles in “The Tudors,” “Annabelle 2,” and “Peaky Blinders,” speaks Portuguese fluently. During her childhood, Annabelle lived in Portugal with her family for several years. Although she attended an international school, she picked up a lot of the Portuguese language and can speak it quite well.

J.K. Rowling

J.K. Rowling, the renowned author of the Harry Potter series, speaks Portuguese due to her time living in Portugal. From 1991 to 1993, Rowling lived in Portugal and married a Portuguese journalist, Jorge Arantes. This experience gave her ample opportunity to learn and practice the language. Rowling often replies to Portuguese fans in their native language.

Nelly Furtado

Nelly Furtado, a Canadian singer and songwriter, has Portuguese roots. Both of her parents are from the Azores, Portugal, and they emigrated to Canada when she was very young. Despite growing up in Canada, her parents ensured that she learned and spoke Portuguese fluently.

Ricky Martin

Ricky Martin, the Puerto Rican singer and actor, learned Portuguese due to his love for Brazil. With a significant fanbase in Brazil, Ricky Martin visited the country multiple times and made an effort to learn Portuguese to communicate directly with his fans..

Chris Hemsworth

Chris Hemsworth, the actor known for his role as Thor in the Marvel movies, is Australian. However, he picked up Portuguese through his travels and connections with Portuguese-speaking people.

Mira Sorvino

Mira Sorvino is an Oscar-winning American actress – for her performance in Woody Allen’s Mighty Aphrodite. She speaks Portuguese fluently, having learned the language during her time at Harvard University, where she pursued East Asian studies.

Ben Affleck

Ben Affleck, the American actor and filmmaker, also speaks Portuguese fluently. The reason is that he spent a year traveling around Portugal with his family. In addition to that, he briefly studied the language at the University of Vermont.

These celebrities have shown that learning a new language can be a rewarding and enriching experience. Whether for personal or professional reasons, their dedication to mastering Portuguese is commendable. Their ability to speak Portuguese fluently not only enhances their connection with Portuguese-speaking fans but also showcases their appreciation for the language and culture.

How about you? Interested in learning Brazilian Portuguese? Check out the ad below and reach out to us TODAY at: jorge.sette@terra.com.br

10 Reasons Why Portuguese as a Foreign Language is on the Rise Globally

Posted on 08/02/2025 by Jorge Sette under Aprender línguas estrangeiras, Aprender português, language

In recent years, the world has witnessed a significant surge in the number of people learning Portuguese as a foreign language. This trend is not just a passing fad but a reflection of the growing importance of Portuguese on the global stage. Whether it’s for business, travel, or cultural enrichment, there are numerous compelling reasons to take up Portuguese. In this blog post, we will explore ten key reasons why Portuguese is becoming increasingly popular and why you should consider learning it too.

1. Portuguese is a Global Language

Portuguese is the sixth most spoken language in the world, with over 220 million native speakers. It is the official language of nine countries (plus Macau), including Brazil, Portugal, Mozambique, Angola, and several others. This widespread use makes Portuguese a valuable language for international communication and opens up opportunities in various regions across the globe.

2. Economic Opportunities in Brazil

Brazil, the largest Portuguese-speaking country, boasts one of the world’s largest economies. With its diverse industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, and technology, Brazil offers numerous business opportunities. Learning Portuguese can give you a competitive edge in the job market and help you tap into the economic potential of this vibrant country.

3. Rich Cultural Heritage

Portuguese-speaking countries have a rich cultural heritage that spans literature, music, dance, cinema, and cuisine. From the soulful sounds of Fado music in Portugal to the vibrant Carnival celebrations in Brazil, learning Portuguese allows you to immerse yourself in these unique cultural experiences and gain a deeper appreciation for the traditions and customs of these countries.

4. Travel and Tourism

Portuguese-speaking countries are popular travel destinations, known for their stunning landscapes, historical landmarks, and warm hospitality. Whether you’re exploring the picturesque streets of Lisbon, relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Rio de Janeiro, or embarking on a safari in Mozambique, knowing Portuguese can enhance your travel experiences and help you connect with locals on a more personal level.

5. Academic and Research Opportunities

Portuguese is an important language in academia and research, particularly in fields such as Latin American studies, linguistics, and history. Many universities and research institutions offer programs and scholarships for students who are proficient in Portuguese. By learning the language, you can access a wealth of academic resources and collaborate with scholars from Portuguese-speaking countries.

6. Growing Influence in Africa

Portuguese is an official language in several African countries, including Angola, Mozambique, and Guinea-Bissau. These countries are experiencing rapid economic growth and development, making them attractive destinations for investment and business ventures. Learning Portuguese can help you navigate these emerging markets and build strong connections with local partners.

7. Enhanced Cognitive Skills

Learning a new language has been shown to improve cognitive skills, such as memory, problem-solving, and multitasking. Portuguese, with its unique grammar and vocabulary, can provide a stimulating mental workout and keep your brain sharp. Additionally, being bilingual or multilingual can enhance your overall communication skills and cultural awareness.

8. Access to Portuguese Literature and Media

Portuguese literature is rich and diverse, with renowned authors such as Fernando Pessoa, José Saramago, Machado de Assis and Clarice Lispector. By learning Portuguese, you can read these literary works in their original language and gain a deeper understanding of their nuances and cultural context. Additionally, you can enjoy Portuguese-language films, music, and television shows, further enriching your cultural experience.

9. Strengthening Personal and Professional Relationships

Knowing Portuguese can help you build stronger personal and professional relationships with Portuguese-speaking individuals. Whether you’re working with colleagues from Brazil, making friends in Portugal, or collaborating with partners in Angola, speaking their language can foster trust, respect, and effective communication.

10. A Fun and Rewarding Challenge

Learning Portuguese can be a fun and rewarding challenge. The language has a melodic quality and a rich vocabulary that can be enjoyable to learn and use. As you progress in your language journey, you’ll experience a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction that comes with mastering a new skill.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are countless reasons to take up Portuguese as a foreign language. From economic opportunities and cultural enrichment to travel and cognitive benefits, learning Portuguese can open up a world of possibilities. So why not embark on this exciting linguistic adventure? Whether you’re a student, a professional, or simply a language enthusiast, Portuguese is a valuable and rewarding language to learn. Start your journey today and discover the many benefits of speaking Portuguese!

Note: Jorge Sette, M.A. in Applied Linguistics offers lessons of Brazilian Portuguese online. The number of spots is limited. Hurry up! Don’t hesitate to reach out to him at: jorge.sette@terra.com.br