Would you like to bring your Portuguese to the next level? Reading in that language is the key! Today in Xemant we will give you 3 recommendations of amazing texts to read and practice your Portuguese because, as we always say, immersing yourself in the culture and literature will help you discover the Curiosities of languages in a fun and very effective way, besides improving your vocabulary, grammar and reading comprehension.
Why should you read stories or novels in Portuguese?
- To expand your vocabulary: Short stories and novels expose you to a rich and varied language, allowing you to learn new words and expressions in a natural context.
- To improve your grammar: by reading, you will become familiar with the grammatical structures of the Portuguese language intuitively, which will reinforce everything you have learned in your classes.
- To develop your reading comprehension: regular reading practice will help you understand more complex texts, and even without realizing it, you will be able to follow and keep the thread in conversations in Portuguese more easily.
- To discover Brazilian culture: stories and novels are an excellent window into Brazilian culture, this will help you learn about its customs, traditions, and values.
3 readings you can't miss:
- “A Hora da Estrela” by Clarice Lispector: this is a masterpiece of Brazilian literature that tells the story of Macabéa, a lonely and anonymous young woman in Rio de Janeiro. Lispector’s poetic prose and introspection make this story a unique experience that you can’t miss if you like the great classics of literature.
- “O Alienista” by Machado de Assis: in this satirical tale, Machado de Assis, one of the greatest exponents of Brazilian literature, imagines a city where all people are interned in an asylum by a doctor who diagnoses everyone as crazy. It is a scathing criticism of society and the search for perfection.
- “Bufo & Spengo” by Caio Fernando Abreu: This experimental work by Caio Fernando Abreu – chronicler, playwright and narrator – tells the story of two homosexual friends in São Paulo during the 70s. The novel explores themes as current as they are vital, such as friendship, sexuality, and political repression. It’s a reading you can’t pass up.
Tips for getting the most out of reading stories:
- Read aloud: this will help you improve your pronunciation and become familiar with the sound of Portuguese words.
- Check the dictionary: don’t be afraid to look up the meaning of unfamiliar words. A good dictionary will be of great help to you.
- Annotate: Underline important words and expressions, and don’t forget to take notes on what you’ve read.
- Discuss with others: Talk to other students and Portuguese enthusiasts or native speakers about the stories and novels you are reading.
Portuguese and discover a new way to learn and enjoy this language.
What other stories in Portuguese do you recommend? Share your suggestions in the comments!