Portuguese Beginners (Level 1)
This is for you if you have no prior knowledge of Portuguese (or so little that you effectively want to start again from scratch). You will learn basic skills to enable you to make yourself understood and to find out information in everyday situations.
Key information
Course started January 2023
- Course: Mondays 6.00pm - 8.00pm
Delivery: On-campus (face-to-face)
Timeline: Resumes 15 May - ends 17 July 2023
Lengths: 10 weeks (60 learning hours)
Fees: £110
You are welcome to join this course, which started in October 2022, provided that you have previous knowledge of the language to learn and progress with the current group.
This course requires a minimum of 8 and it can have up to a maximum of 16 students. Course fee includes all tuition, access to Blackboard, handouts and any tests/exams, but not a textbook.
Please note that courses taught on-campus could be moved online if the Covid-19 situation prevents face-to-face teaching, and for as long as it is required. This decision will be made by the Government and/or the University of Leicester to guarantee the safety of students and staff.
Terms run from October to December, from January to March and from May to July. The full course comprises 60 learning hours. Lessons are two hours long and take place once a week. When enrolling you are committing to the full 20 weeks. There is the option to pay for the full course in one payment or two instalments. You are welcome to join in the second term of a course if you have previous knowledge and experience of the language.
Entry level
No previous knowledge of Portuguese is required. The course is suitable for absolute beginners.
Course content
- Expressing a range of greetings
- Describing yourself and exchanging personal details
- Describing your family and friends
- Reading timetables
- Making plans
- Talking about hobbies
- Likes and dislikes
- Directions
- Describing your own home town/city
- Ordering in a bar/restaurant
- Going out
- Meeting friends
- Shopping
Resources
There isn’t a University bookshop however The European Bookshop website holds our book list and offers a 10% discount to all our students. Languages at Leicester Reading List.
It is not essential to bring a course book to the first class. The tutor will discuss book requirements in class and advise you of the best places to obtain the book if required. With some languages there is the option for us to order text books on behalf of a class.
Our approach
This course is taught in Portuguese and English. The Portuguese language taught at L@L prepares students to read texts, listen to audio files and watch videos in the Portuguese language regardless of its origin. Equally, it prepares students to interact with speakers in Portuguese in spite of their origin. Although people from different origins speak the Portuguese language with different and distinctive accents and may also use different words, the language it the one and the same. Likewise, the English, French and Spanish languages present similar differences. However, in all cases, the written language is the same and, with very few variations, follow the same grammatical rules.
Our programme aims to develop the four language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing as well as cultural awareness. It provides a good balance between understanding the culture, vocabulary and grammar structures of the Portuguese language and enhancing communication and interaction. It supports comprehensive and productive skills in speech and writing through authentic based activities and guided practice in the use of Portuguese language. Students will be encouraged to seek opportunities to learn and practise the four skills outside the classroom taking advantage of learning resources provided by tutors and the programme. Lessons are planned to allow intensive interactive practice with individual feedback and advice on progress.
Progression
Upon completing the Beginners level (1), you can progress onto the Post-Beginners level (2).