Posts from January 2008

Fala Bonito

Posted by Transparent Language No Comments
Jan 31 2008

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Fala Bonito is the most-read blog regarding the Portuguese language that I have found.

Rene Marcondes posts often and well regarding aspects of the Portuguese language, Brazil, and also on varied aspects of linguistics in general. Rene also offers courses, though my impression is that they are mainly for native Spanish speakers, though I could certainly be wrong. His Skype information is available on the site as well

Great posts include:

Vale o clique! (it’s worth the click!) Visit the site here.

Religious Trends in Brazil: RioGringa Reports

Posted by Transparent Language No Comments
Jan 28 2008

Today I point you to a terrific post by RioGringa about religion in Brazil, specifically the trends related to religious affiliation over the past few decades.

Among the highlights: Catholicism is on the decline, Candomblé (the afro-syncretic religion) is gaining a substantial white membership, and Atheism is on the rise.

As Rachel (RioGringa) writes:

Despite these trends, a recent poll shows that though more Brazilians are turning away from religion than ever, atheism is a cultural taboo. When asked who they would vote for for President, 84% said they´d vote for a black person, 57% said they´d vote for a woman, 32% said they´d vote for a gay person, and a measly 13% said they´d vote for an atheist.

The negative side is interesting too. Only 1% said they wouldn´t vote for a black person, only 12% said they wouldn´t vote for a woman, and then 34% said they wouldn´t vote for a gay person, and then 59% said they wouldn´t vote for an atheist.

Very interesting indeed… thoughts anyone?

Beautiful Brazilian Slideshow

Posted by Transparent Language No Comments
Jan 25 2008

Check out the always updated slideshow from Inglês Verde e Amarelo.

Veja mais fotos como estas em Ingles Verde Amarelo

If you are reading this in email or a feed reader, you can check out the pictures here: Inglês Verde e Amarelo Photo Slideshow

Top Ten Brazil Travel Tips

Posted by Transparent Language 9 Comments
Jan 24 2008

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10. Plan ahead

Some of the aspects of getting down to Brazil may take a little lead-time, and in order to avoid stressing, try to get the process rolling at least a few months in advance. A sub-tip: trying to get out of Brazil during the first week of January will cost you, and if you are planning on rocking Reveillon in Rio, you will need to get a return ticket months in advance (or just stay through January, in which case you might as well stay for Carnaval, in which case you will never leave).

9. Make sure your passport is valid (and not lost!)

This one is self-explanatory but nevertheless important. Be sure to verify that your Passport will be valid through your *whole* stay, and preferably for the 5 years that your Brazilian travel visa will be valid.

8. Get vaccinated

As we just saw in the last post about Yellow Fever, depending on where you go you may have to be vaccinated for different diseases. If you are going to Rio or São Paulo you may not need anything at all beyond Hep-A and Typhoid. If you are headed for a month-long stay in the depths of the Amazon (shoot me), you will need Yellow Fever, Typhoid, Hep-A, perhaps Malaria etc. Here is all the info about vaccinations for Brazil travel.

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Yellow Fever Surges in Parts of Brazil

Posted by Transparent Language No Comments
Jan 14 2008

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Yellow fever (also called yellow jack, black vomit or vomito negro, or sometimes American Plague) is an acute viral disease.[1]

BPP (Brazilian Portuguese Pod) has a new podcast about Yellow Fever. André Barbosa was kind enough to provide some useful background information for the readers of the Portuguese Blog.

The disease is an important cause of hemorrhagic illness in many African and South American countries despite existence of an effective vaccine. The yellow refers to the jaundice symptoms that affect some patients.

Lately in Brazil authorities are concerned about this disease because the number of infected people is increasing unexpectedly. Although some cases are not confirmed yet some people are in a rush to take vaccines, the only way to be securely protected.

If you are in Brazil or if you are coming to Brazil it’s important that you first look for a vaccine for yellow fever. Although it’s not considered epidemic yet, the risk of being infected is real and should not be ignored.

Here’s a video in Portuguese about the current crisis. (ed. I find these types of newscasts to be a great way to practice listening comprehension)

You can find more information about yellow fever in the websites below:

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