Learning Journal 2 105

[Oliver Cho]

Portuguese is a family oriented culture both in Brazil and in Portugal. The families foundation represents the social structure of the culture. A strong family also creates a stable base for the culture to be built around. In the culture family comes first, and a loyalty to the family is a priority above all else. Other aspects of culture are that people respect authority and rank is  very important within the Portuguese culture. It is important to know who is in charge. This recognition of who is in charge is important to the language because when speaking to an elder of someone who is above you your language should change. One should use the formal tenses and not address the other person with slang. Whereas when speaking with someone of lower rank the speaker has more freedom to say whatever he or she pleases, and use whatever tense is appropriate for the situation.