Portuguese & Brazilian Culture

       Learning Portuguese was something I had wanted to do for a long time. Being similar to Spanish, it was very easy to pick up and learn the grammar and vocabulary. There are, however, several words and expressions that are very different, or carry other meanings between the two languages. Understanding these differences was important to me, because it reminded me of the importance of recognizing the slight differences between two things, be it amongst languages, groups, and individuals. One of my favorite courses I took was Brazilian Short Story. It was a great way for me to learn about the literature of Brazil, and its influence in the region.
       Looking into Brazil and the rest of Latin America has been key to my understanding of the regional developments in culture and markets. I gained a historical perspective into the evolution of Latin America and how each country changed over time through the rise and fall of monarchy, dictatorship, democracy, populism, and diverse economic outlooks. This gives me a deeper understanding of the undercurrents that sweep through the region. Brazil, being the largest and most populous state in Latin America, has a huge role in every aspect of the regional economy. The wealth of cultural heritage and contemporary cultural output in Brazil is fantastic, with the music, literature, and art of this Lusophone country being world renown.