Can you get away with speaking Spanish in Brazil?

Re: Can I get by in Brazil with fluent Spanish? Yes, Portuguese speaking Brazilians often understand Spanish much better than vice versa, however, many of my team speak Spanish and ultimately “make it work” when communicating with other Portuguese speaking team members. You will ultimately be much better off than me!

Why does Brazil speak Portuguese when the rest of South America speaks 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. That miraculous and fateful decision is why Brazilians speak Portuguese.

Why do they speak Portuguese in Brazil and not Spanish?

The reason Brazilians speak Portuguese is because Brazil was colonized by Portugal, but the history is a bit more complex. In the 15th century, Spain and Portugal were the “big guns.” Columbus had discovered America for Spain, while Portugal was advancing along the African coast.

Why do Brazilians speak Portuguese and not Spanish?

Brazilians speak Portuguese and not Spanish. As the only country in South America to officially speak the language, there’s an intriguing story behind that unique piece of cultural heritage. It all begins with the Pope, a treaty, and an undiscovered continent.

Why is Brazil’s official language different from other Latin American countries?

Unlike the rest of Latin America, Brazil’s official language is Portuguese, not Spanish. So what led to the country’s differing vernacular? Alert viewers of the Olympics broadcasts will have noticed that the country of Brazil, unlike other Latin American countries, speaks Portuguese rather Spanish.

When did Brazil break free from Portugal?

But on September 7, 1822, Brazil broke free from Portugal. Dom Pedro, Emperor Dom João’s son and his father’s acting regent in the colony, added his support to Brazilian nationalists and declared the country’s independence of the Portuguese homeland. The agreement was formally agreed to in a treaty signed by Brazil and Portugal in 1825.