I've benefited greatly from Rick Steve books in previous travels to Europe so, when I decided to visit Portugal, I went right out and purchased his guide book and phrase book for this country. The guide book looks good but the phrase book is not up to snuff. I'm working with a European Portuguese tutor and she has pointed out quite a few discrepancies in what the Rick Steve's phrase book uses for words and phrases. Some of the words he uses are Brazilian Portuguese instead of European which came as quite a shock to me considering Mr. Steves is synonymous with Europe. For instance, his phrase book uses "por favor" for please when it should have "se faz favor" instead. He also uses the work "gostoria" which translates to "I like". His phrase book has us using this word for ordering something to eat which is the proper way to order. One should be using "queira" instead. There are other mistakes as well, according to my teacher.
When visiting a country, I take great pride in learning the culture and enough of the language to honor my hosts so I do want to make sure that I'm using the correct words and phrases. I do expect more from a Rick Steves book than I've experienced with the Portuguese phrase book.
Posted by
Niagara Wine Country, Canada
808 posts
The Gypsies sell descent phrase books at the Train Stations. They are relevant and dirt cheap. News Agents on the street have them, too. They must be ok b/c my ex is a native speaker from there and he looked at it and said it would be a good one to get. (He'd be the first one to spot the "wrong" in anything.)
Yes, there are differences between the two dialects. You're right about that. You can often tell where someone is from by their language skills. Just pick up a dictionary over there. The print can be small so you might benefit from taking a pocket size magnifying wallet card.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9363 posts
I have found the same problem with trying to improve my Castillian Spanish. The Spanish books and CDs here are typically South American/Mexican Spanish, which doesn't help me with learning the Castillian Spanish pronounciations. And many of the words are different. I haven't checked the RS Spanish book, but many others are this way.
Posted by
Northern, Italy
208 posts
My cousin is from Spain, and we speak using the same words we just have different accents. My Uncle is Colombian but has lived so long in Spain that he has the Zeta going on, too. He says that when it comes to the actual words it is like being from a different part of the same country.
Posted by
Niagara Wine Country, Canada
808 posts
If you have an International neighbourhood in your community, maybe you might find a descent phrase book there?
In Toronto we have "Little Portugal, Little Italy" etc and they often sell stuff like that. And the good thing is that there is often a Native sellling them so they can help you select the version you are looking for.
It's also sometimes interesting to interact with other cultures b/c they often love to tell you all about their own culture. It can help prepare you for your own upcoming travels!