Interest in Portuguese as a Non-Native Language (PLNM) has been growing, especially among foreigners living in Portugal who want to communicate better in their daily lives. At Fun Languages Almada, we have noticed a significant increase in demand for this course and today we will explain its particularities, challenges and how we help our students to better integrate into the community.
Who is looking for PLNM courses?
Many of our students are expats, spouses of Portuguese nationals, digital nomads or retired foreigners who have chosen Portugal as their home. For most of them, Portuguese is not a professional necessity but rather a tool to make everyday life easier. The goal is to be able to communicate in the supermarket, at the pharmacy, with their neighbours or with the parents of their children’s classmates.
Our courses are designed for exactly that: to help those who want to interact better, feel more integrated and live in Portugal in a more independent and confident way.
Difference between Portuguese as a host language (PLA) and PLNM
The question often arises: what is the difference between PLA and PLNM?
Portuguese as a Welcoming Language is intended for migrants and refugees who need to learn Portuguese quickly in order to integrate into society. The focus is on functional everyday communication, facilitating access to the job market, public services and community life. This teaching is usually free and promoted by government programs, local authorities and associations.
Portuguese as a Non-Native Language is part of a more formal educational context and is aimed at children and young people who enter the Portuguese school system without mastering the language, as well as adults who learn Portuguese for academic, professional or personal reasons. This teaching is more structured and can lead to certifications such as A1, A2, B1, among others.
✔ Portuguese as the host language is practical
✔ PLNM is structured and focuses on a gradual progression of proficiency.
✔ Courses at Fun Languages Almada are personalized and adapted to the needs of students.
The challenges of learning Portuguese
Those who learn Portuguese highlight some common difficulties, pronunciation is complex, verb tenses are a real puzzle, Portuguese people speak very quickly, etc.
Portuguese is not an easy language. The differences between the written and spoken language can be frustrating for students. But there are ways to overcome these difficulties.
Over the years, we have seen students make amazing progress. Many arrive without knowing a word of Portuguese and, within a few months, are able to communicate in everyday life.
Learning a language goes far beyond grammar and vocabulary. It’s also about creating bonds, feeling part of a community and living your day-to-day life with more confidence.