 Helped improve my proficiency, 2002-12-10
A while ago my company decided to expand into Portugal and I didn't speak a word of Portuguese. This course has helped me. The grammar explanations are excellent and there is a lot of guidance throughout the book on pronunciation. The vocabulary is practical and is supported by a two-way (i.e. Portuguese-English and English-Portuguese) mini-dictionary at the back of the book. The speakers on the tape have different accents, which has helped me 'fine tune my ear'. I believe that a sign of the quality of the book is the comments that I receive on my business trips saying how well I can speak Portuguese. I also like the fact that the book educates you as to the cultural aspects of the country eg Fado singing as well as historic landmarks to visit eg the tower of Belim. I have also found this useful in helping me build up business relationships in that I can show I know something about the country and I always have a place in mind for when I am offered as a trip somewhere as part of my visit! Yet another strong point is that the book also covers Brazilian Portuguese. I shall be needing that too.
Easy-to-follow method of learning Portuguese, 2003-08-10
Good stuff but needs to be complemented with a book on verbs if you want to become proficient. Portuguese and Brazilian words and accents are distinguished which is very useful and both the book and audio recordings let you work on your pronounciation. Cultural aspects are also touched on throughout the book. Lots of exercises included to really make sure that you're learning the language. Definitely recommend this self-learning pack to anyone who wants to learn Portuguese using a straightforward method.
Easy on the brain, great for communicating, 2003-06-30
I've just finished this course and am quite impressed with myself (!) and the book. I am not very good at learning languages though I did some French at school. I wanted to learn Portuguese for travelling purposes. I've tried courses and evening classes but always give up half way through, if that far. This time I've got to the end. What kept me going is the step-by-step explanation of concepts, unlike brushing over concepts as other courses do. I also like the exercises, lots of them, all with answer key so you get to test yourself. In my experience of language courses most exercises either are boring drills or fancy games that do not help much. In this course the exercises are excellent. They address situations you can see yourself in when you go to the country. They give you the opportunity of practising what you feel you should know, with no nonsense, no wasting time. There is only simple grammar in the first units but the little there is is made to work for you in the exercises. Through them you rehearse how to construct the basic sentences you need to communicate in different situations. You don't even notice the grammar because you are interested in what you are doing. Some exercises are really fun, with a good sense of humour, and that helps too. The author has done a splendid job of making Portuguese approachable to the beginner. The book starts slowly and (unlike others) proceeds in a clear and logical manner. I can truthfully say that this has been the most useful book for me in my attempts to learn Portuguese. I am happy with what I have achieved. My husband has seen my enthusiasm and is learning Portuguese too, using this course. My husband learning a language, believe me, means a lot. He has now reached unit 5. When he got past the first unit, this course passed its toughest test. I recommend this course 100%.
It brings language to life, 2003-02-17
The book is well set out. Together with the accompanying tapes, it provides a first class grounding in the Portuguese language. It is also very easy to use, with clear grammar notes and an unusual amount of revision units and exercises (key at the back of the book, where you can check your answers). The course is very practical, lively and fun. Something I particularly enjoyed is that it encourages learning through understanding. You are shown how to make sense of the written and spoken Portuguese you see and hear around you and you learn how to use it yourself. It is all based on down-to-earth real life situations. You learn how to fill in your hotel room laundry list and leave a written note saying when you want your clothes back. You learn how to tell noisy guests to keep their voice down, adapting the words on the 'do not disturb' sign for your hotel room door. In this course public notices come to life. Instructions how to open your train door or how to operate a coffee dispensing machine are converted into language you can use to communicate. I liked this approach because you feel immediately involved and a sense of achievement is quickly achieved. I found this course extremely useful and would recommend it to everyone.
Even better, 2002-12-09
The previous book by Manuela Cook is the course I actually used to learn Portuguese. I have bought this one too, as a refresher course. It has extra pages and extra exercises, which are fun to do. It has also kept the good features of the earlier edition. It is very user friendly and well planned. It offers more than most, in the way of vocabulary, grammar and overall progression. You do not have to buy a grammar to complement this course. Grammar explanations are very comprehensive and clear. This new book has a two way vocabulary, Portuguese/English and English/Portuguese, but I would recommend as a Perfect Partner Collins pocket dictionary. They go well together. Both excellent buys!
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