Learning a new language can be challenging, but it can also be a rewarding experience. Throughout my language learning journey, I have found that the most effective way to learn a new language is to learn and practice speaking with native speakers. To truly learn a language, one must go beyond vocabulary and grammar, and also gain insights into its cultural and linguistic nuances.
When it comes to learning Portuguese in the United States, it can be difficult to find in-person resources and support for the language. Unlike Spanish, which has a vast array of resources and speakers in the US, Portuguese is not as commonly spoken or studied. This is where having an online Brazilian tutor can be incredibly effective.
Personally, I have found italki to be one of the best online language learning platforms, as it enables me to learn with a tutor from anywhere in the world. Through italki, I have had the opportunity to study multiple languages with qualified and experienced tutors, making language learning more accessible and enjoyable than ever before.
italki Overview
italki stands as an online language learning platform to help students connect with language educators and native speakers from around the world. This particular website boasts a vast array of linguistic instruction covering well over 130 distinct languages—among them, the intricate tongue spoken in modern-day Brazil known as Brazilian Portuguese.
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Teacher Types
Within the platform, there are two categories to choose from: professional teachers and community tutors.
Professional teachers are typically certified language instructors who have experience teaching their language to non-native speakers. They may have formal training in teaching methodology and have a structured curriculum that they follow to help students progress through their language learning journey. Professional teachers often charge a higher rate for their lessons, but they offer a high level of expertise and structured learning experience.
Community tutors, on the other hand, are native speakers who may not have formal training in teaching their language, but have a deep understanding of their language and culture. Community tutors often offer a more informal, conversational approach to language learning and may not have a structured curriculum. They are often more affordable than professional teachers, and may be better suited for students who want to improve their conversational skills.
Scheduling Lessons
The scheduling system offered by italki is highly adaptable, accommodating students’ time constraints with ease. Flexible scheduling allows students to book lessons with their teacher at a time that works for both the student and the teacher. It’s entirely up to each student whether they want their studies conducted regularly and routinely or more sporadically as part of an “as-needed” basis that aligns better with personal goals for language acquisition.
In addition, italki offers an Instant Booking feature that allows students to start a lesson with a teacher almost right away. To use the Instant Booking feature, students can browse the italki marketplace to find a teacher who offers instant lessons. Once they find a teacher who meets their needs, they can simply click on the “Instant Lesson” button on the teacher’s profile to purchase a lesson. The class starts five minutes after the purchase is made, which means that students can start learning with their teacher almost immediately. This feature is beneficial for students who need quick and efficient language learning solutions. It eliminates the need for students to schedule lessons in advance, which is especially helpful for those who have busy schedules or last-minute language-related needs. Note: not all teachers offer Instant Booking.
Community-Based Learning
Another feature that makes italki stand out is its community of learners and instructors. With a large and diverse community of language enthusiasts from all over the world, students can connect with others who share similar language goals, exchange tips and strategies, and practice their language skills together. italki’s community forums are an excellent place to find like-minded language learners and ask questions about language learning. Additionally, instructors can interact with other teachers and exchange ideas to improve their teaching techniques.
Pricing
Pricing is determined by the teacher offering the lesson. Teachers set their own rates based on their qualifications, experience, and the demand for their services. On average, the price range of italki lessons varies between $5.00 and $30.00 per hour. italki also offers a feature that allows students to search for teachers based on their price range, making it easier to find a teacher within your budget.
What I Love Most About italki…
italki offers a variety of options for studying languages, including different dialects and regions of the language. When searching for a Portuguese teacher on italki, you can filter your search results by the specific dialect or region you’re interested in studying. For example, you can choose to study Brazilian Portuguese with a teacher from Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, or Salvador. Additionally, many Brazilian Portuguese teachers on italki will specify in their profiles which dialect or region they are familiar with or specialize in teaching. This can help you find a teacher who can help you achieve your specific language learning goals, whether you want to focus on understanding a specific dialect or improving your overall proficiency in Brazilian Portuguese.
A Drawback…
One of the potential downsides of using italki for language learning is that it relies heavily on a stable internet connection. While the platform is designed to provide seamless communication between learners and teachers, issues with internet connectivity can arise and can disrupt the learning experience. Slow or unreliable internet connections can result in video and audio lags, interruptions, and dropped calls. While italki cannot control the quality of a user’s internet connection, it is important for users to have a strong and reliable connection to ensure a smooth and productive learning experience.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, italki is an effective language learning platform that provides numerous advantages for learners at any level. With italki, users can connect with experienced and skilled language teachers and tutors from different parts of the globe, enabling access to a diverse range of languages, dialects, and regions. Furthermore, the platform offers flexible scheduling options, affordable pricing, and personalized lesson plans that cater to the unique learning needs and objectives of each user. All of these features make italki an excellent tool for language learners looking to enhance their skills and gain a deeper understanding of different languages and cultures.
Try italki out for yourself and receive $10 USD in italki credits.
Written by Ryan Chindavong
Thank you, Ryan, for this amazing article on how to learn Brazilian Portuguese online with native speakers! I just read your article on the Brazilian Portuguese alphabet and was about to ask you what online resources were out there if I wanted to learn Portuguese before coming across this article. italki certainly sounds intriguing and I will definitely look into it.
Thanks, Kevin! Using italki is one of my preferred ways to learn a language. The ability to practice with native speakers from any part of the world is truly remarkable!
I agree with you about the potential benefits of learning with native speakers, such as gaining exposure to the nuances and subtleties of the language and developing a more authentic accent. Working with native speakers could enhance the learning experience and provide a more immersive and authentic way to learn the language and italki is certainly a great place to look out for it.
Are there any specific challenges or considerations that learners should keep in mind when working with native speakers?
Thank you for sharing.
It’s true that working with native speakers can provide a more immersive and authentic language learning experience. Some challenges/considerations to consider is language level and teaching ability of the native speaker and your own personal language learning goals. With italki, for example, there are native speakers who can practice conversation with you, teach you new vocabulary and the cultural aspects of a language but may not necessarily have formal training with grammar rules, while others are more familiar with the grammar rules and structures. My advice is to speak with a variety of native speakers until you find one (or more) who is a good match for their learning needs.
Another thing to consider is dialects and accents. I believe it’s generally a good idea to focus on one type of accent initially. This can help learners to develop a consistent and accurate pronunciation and to avoid confusion when communicating with native speakers.