Asked by: Ouadia Illing
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Why do they speak Portuguese in Brazil instead of Spanish?

Last Updated: 26th April, 2020

A little Portuguese might add to the ambiance. Yes, Brazilians speak Portuguese and not Spanish. In an attempt to stymie its rival, Spain sought support from the pope, Spanish-born Alexander VI. He created a line of demarcation to divide the nations' claims as part of the Treaty of Tordesillas in 1494.

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Correspondingly, can someone who speaks Portuguese understand Spanish?

Portuguese speakers can understand spoken Spanish pretty well. Spanish speakers can't understand spoken Portuguese that much - but we can understand written Portuguese knowing a few key words. Spanish is very easy to pronounce and almost all sounds are written the way they are spoken.

why do the people of Brazil speak Portuguese instead of Spanish What event between Portugal and Spain ensured that they would? Brazil was was ruled by Portugal at the same time Spain was establishing an empire. The Treaty of Tordesillas ensured that they would speak Portuguese.

Beside above, why do Brazilian citizens speak Portuguese?

People speak Portuguese in Brazil because Brazil was a Portuguese colony. Though this fact is well-known in some circles (loyal blog readers and Portuguese language learners, for example), one may be surprised how many well-educated people either don't know that Portuguese is spoken in Brazil, or don't know why!

What language do they speak in Brazil and why?


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