The first language of the great majority in Brazil is Portuguese. Although their spoken language has evolved over the years, having foreign words accepted as part of daily conversations, they have preserved their native language Portuguese as a widely used means of communication among locals. 

Language Skills
Brazilians’ low proficiency rate in English has given them an EPI score of 50.10 by the EF English Proficiency Index. The country was ranked 59th among the 100 countries in the region it belongs to. This is mainly because of the value they give to their native language that has contributed very well to their rich culture, passed on to generations from its introduction from the 16th century.

But don’t worry if you’ve never tried speaking Portuguese before. The entire country has been working consistently to learn English even before the previous 2014 World Cup in Brazil to accommodate foreigners and to boost tourism. Due to the growing number of expats in the country, even cab drivers are given training for the English language in Rio de Janeiro. While language schools across the country have been growing by 30 to 40 percent for four consecutive years since 2012, and now is even more intensive. It is recommended that you try to learn some basic Portuguese to be able to communicate more efficiently with the locals. Try checking out online language learning tools like Rosetta Stone or Duolingo.

Body Language
Brazilians can be full of passion and be very expressive in their communications, most especially when it is their topic of interest. Don’t find it rude when a local interrupt a conversation by accident, because of a point that the person wants to clarify. Locals in Brazil are not afraid to talk and speak their minds. This feeling of freedom goes the same way in their body language. Locals in Brazil can be more touchy than other nationalities. The holding of hands, touching of the back, the arms, and even kissing is acceptable public displays of affection.

When speaking to someone, Brazilians can stand very near to the person. Don’t be surprised when a local just step a little closer than usual when you are already well introduced to each other. Another notable body language of Brazilians is their gestures. Whenever they rub their palms together when pointing out that ‘all is okay,’ believe them because the rubbing of hands actually means that ‘it is no big deal.’ The use of thumbs up as a gesture of approval is widely accepted however the use of the ‘OK’ hand gesture where you form a letter ‘O’ and your other three fingers lifted, is seen as a rude hand sign and can be found as rude.

When talking to a local, don’t be offended by lack of eye contact, being interrupted when it’s your turn to speak or erratic flow of discussion. This doesn’t mean that you are not being listened to, it is just the way of the locals in being expressive in their conversations.

Topics for Discussion
Anybody who knows Brazil knows that futebol, or what we commonly know as soccer is a very good topic to open up to any local. The locals in Brazil are diehard fanatics of this sport and would not run out of things to tell you about it. If you are talking to a Brazilian, try telling them your favorite team in Brazil or how popular is the sport in your country too. Just never mention the team of their great rival, Argentina’s team, or try to make comparisons between their great competitor and their national team because it may cause some tension in the conversation.

A topic about dancing is also a good way to open a discussion with a Brazilian. The rich culture in the country is deeply rooted in Brazil's well-known Carnivals where different types of dancing are being performed. Try asking a local about tips and their tricks in dancing samba or capoeira and you might just be in for a good treat of a random but brief dance lesson.

Brazilians are interested in conversations about foreign countries too. Their friendly and welcoming culture has made them open-minded to hearing stories about other nations and the diversity of culture outside of Brazil. Go ahead and just share something about your home country, and don’t forget to mention notable facts about your country too!