Well for a start, if you husband or wife is from Portugal then you would consider learning the Portuguese language, just in case you go there to visit the relatives. And then again your children might want to learn their parent’s mother tongue. Also if you are thinking of immigrating to Portugal or your company is going to send you there. What about if you just want to go there for a holiday.

In most European countries they learn more than one language at school. 

So to learn some languages like Portuguese you will need to get a good grasp of the language before going there. That way you should be able to pick up more of the language when you are in Portugal. Even though Portuguese is not one of the major spoken languages, there are still courses available that will teach you the language. 

When you are learning any language you must realize it takes time and effort so the more time you put in the more you will learn. 

Even if it is just listening to a tape or mp3 and reading aloud in Portuguese to try and get your mind and your mouth working together in the new language. Anyone who has learnt a second language will tell you it takes constant repetition and time and effort so you have to put in the time too. Also if you intend to go to Portugal to learn the language you should consider getting an English Teaching certificate so you can teach English there.

For a collection of language learning programs see our Learn Another Language Page.