Hello to all language and culture lovers! Today, from Xemant, we want to celebrate together with you the World Portuguese Language Day, a special date that invites us to explore and appreciate the richness of this fascinating language. On this occasion, we want to share with you some interesting facts and curiosities about the Portuguese language and about this celebration. Join us on this language journey!
- Origin of World Portuguese Language Day: This celebration was established by UNESCO in 2019 to commemorate the cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue that the Portuguese language represents in diverse cultures around the world. This day is celebrated on May 5 each year and coincides with the anniversary of the death of the Portuguese writer Luís de Camões, considered the greatest and most important poet in the Portuguese language in history.
- Portuguese is the sixth most spoken language in the world: With more than 260 million native speakers worldwide, Portuguese is one of the most important and widespread languages. In addition to being the official language of Portugal and Brazil, it is also an official language in countries such as Angola, Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau, Sao Tome and Prince, Cape Verde and East Timor, and is even spoken by about 4% of the residents of Macau, a region located on the southern coast of China.
- The influence of Portuguese on other languages: Due to the history of Portuguese exploration, trade, and colonization, the language has left a significant imprint on other languages around the world. For example, words like “samba,” “caipirinha,” and “capoeira” have been adopted in several languages thanks to Brazil’s cultural influence.
- Portuguese grammar is complex, but fascinating: For many, the Portuguese language is known for its complex verbal system and detailed grammatical rules – many of them similar to those of Spanish, by the way. However, once you immerse yourself in its structure, and understand its origin and evolution, you will discover the beauty and elegance of this Romance language.
- Portuguese is a musical and poetic language: Thanks to its particular melodious sonority and rich literary tradition, Portuguese has earned a reputation as a poetic and expressive language. From the lyrics of fado (the most internationally known genre and musical expression of Portuguese music) to the verses of the Portuguese poet Fernando Pessoa, the Portuguese language is a linguistic treasure worth exploring.
If you are interested in the languages and culture of other countries, on this World Portuguese Language Day, we invite you to immerse yourself in the beauty and diversity of this fascinating language. At Xemant we offer Portuguese classes taught by native professionals to help you master this language more fluently and much more confidently. Discover the world through Portuguese, and let yourself be carried away by its magic! Happy World Portuguese Language Day!