Portuguese in Brazil: Langmedia Practical Language Series is one of many web sites produced by the Five College Foreign Language Media Archive. In the author's own words: "LangMedia has a special mission to provide materials in languages less-commonly offered by colleges and universities in the United States. The site also has a commitment to providing authentic materials depicting differences in regional dialects and language-usage among speakers of the more commonly taught languages worldwide."
As is the case with other language sites produced by LangMedia, the Brazilian Portuguese site consists of modules on practical topics such as Culture and Communication, Food and Lodging, Necessities, Shopping and Services and Transportation. Each module contains an English language cultural note accompanied by an image which describes that concept. In many modules, there are also videos that deal with the given topic. They are unscripted authentic dialogues that pertain to the particular topic. Transcripts are provided in Portuguese and in English in most modules. In some cases, there is also thematic vocabulary with audio files for pronunciation practice.
The videographers for the project were mostly international students provided with camcorders by the LangMedia group. The same students were involved in the written portions as well, although some transcripts were reviewed by language experts. The result is a culturally authentic insight into Brazilian Portuguese, as it is spoken in the country.
Type of Material:
Tutorial, Drill and Practice, Reference
Recommended Uses:
These simple dialogues can be used in a classroom setting or by independent learners. The modules serve as excellent review and orientation material for travelers to Brazil.
Technical Requirements:
The video and audio materials on LangMedia require RealPlayer.
Identify Major Learning Goals:
Users will learn vocabulary and expressions in Brazilian Portuguese. Through exposure to authentic conversation patterns, students will develop listening comprehension. Users can also learn about Brazilian culture in every module.
Target Student Population:
Students of Brazilian Portuguese at all levels
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
There are materials for all proficiency levels on the site. The cultural information is available in English, thus accessible to beginners who speak English. Some Portuguese dialogues are more suited to intermediate levels.
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
Authenticity is the strongest feature of these modules, all of which begin with practical cultural information about Brazil. Students can learn about different types of eating establishments, how to rent a car or use the different types of telephones. The photographs and videos that accompany the modules depict scenes that the traveler will definitely see while in Brazil. The fact that the spoken language in the videos is not "textbook talk" prepares the student for Portuguese as it is really spoken by Brazilians. Students are also able to observe typical body language and paralinguistic cues in the videos. Transcripts facilitate comprehension of the videos.
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
The modules can be used in Brazilian Portuguese classes at a variety of levels. Since the topics are broad and practical, the modules make excellent ancillary materials for most standard textbooks. They can be used in the classroom or at home for independent learning. Given the scarcity of materials in less-commonly taught languages like Portuguese, this web site fills an urgent need.
LangMedia also contains an Angolan Portuguese site. It could be an interesting exercise for students to compare and contrast the sounds and cultures of both Lusohphone countries.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
The site is absolutely easy to use with a clear and consistent navigation scheme across languages. Images are well-chosen and clear.
Concerns:
The LangMedia authors provide this information on technical questions: "The quality of streaming video and audio depends upon the speed of your connection to the Internet. Ethernet or cable modem connections offer the best quality. 56k modems offer good audio quality,
but less than optimal video quality. Video playback is not recommended for 28.8k or slower modems. Network congestion can also negatively affect the speed or quality of playback. Because of the importance of clear audio in our speech-based materials we have created our videos to maximize sound rather than video quality over slow connections. Slower connections will also received videos with a smaller frame size than those sent over faster connections."
Creative Commons:
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