Brazilian culture 🇧🇷

Our users (yosers 😀) are from Brazil, and therefore, tutors may expect some cultural differences in case they are of another nationality. We encourage tutors and yosers to utilize Yo! sessions as a means of cultural exchange in addition to language learning.

Some things that might be worth mentioning in case you are not familiar with Brazilian culture:

• First and foremost, English isn't spoken widely. Not many Brazilians speak English, particularly outside Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo. They've likely seen all the American movies and know all the Adele songs, but unfortunately, it's not so frequent that you get to talk with a Brazilian who is superfluent in English (that's our mission, by the way, to help change that). They are hospitable, though, and most will figure out how to communicate, even if they are beginners. It's helpful to come prepared with a good phrasebook. Key phrases to master: Tudo bem? (How are you? All good?), Eu não entendo (I don't understand) and futebol (you'd better know this by now). If all else fails, go with the all-purpose Brazilian sign that everything is cool: stick both thumbs in the air and pump them up and down.

• Getting to know people in Brazil is a fast-track process. Since they don't place much stock in personal space, Brazilians also have an easier time breaking through the emotional space. You will be surprised how open and warm our yosers are!

• Brazilians have an interesting approach to punctuality - it is quite normal for Brazilians to be late, especially for parties (it is almost considered impolite to arrive at the designated time!) However, that’s not the case for formal or special appointments, such as job interviews or Yo! sessions. 😊

• Brazilians can be very expressive and emotive in their communication. It's a vivacious culture that can bring you out of your shell, help you unwind, and have the best time of your life. It can also jack up the decibel count. Brazilians like to express themselves and don't have many restraints on the volume with which they do it. At times, they may interrupt others when overcome by their passion or interest in the conversation - so do not take it amiss if it happens in your sessions 😄

• Brazil is the most diverse country in the world. Period. This statement is true in every single aspect of the culture and society—from animals to landscapes to ethnicities and more. In fact, Brazilian society is composed mostly but not exclusively of Indigenous, Portuguese, West African, Italian, Arab, Japanese, and German descendants. There are literally all skin colors and facial features beautifully mixed in this country 😍

• Festivals are important in Brazil! Brazilians produce two of the biggest bashes the world has known in Carnival and the New Year's Reveillon celebration. But the festivities continue throughout the year, thanks to an abundance of regional celebrations, cities that promote the arts, and a stockpile of religious holidays. In Rio de Janeiro, the city puts on free music fests, with top bands performing on stages across the city. The Northeast of Brazil has a lot of festivals. For instance, the Bumba Meu Boi festivals in Sao Luís, in the northeast state of Maranhão in July, mix the indigenous Indian with folkloric traditions of Africa and Europe together into a party unlike any other in Brazil.

• Brazilians are passionate about food. So if you’re having a meal at a Brazilian house, beware: it is more than a meal; it is an event. Brazilian food, just like their religions, celebrations, and music, has mostly been influenced by southern European, western and southwestern African, Amerindian, and northeastern Asian cuisines. Rice and beans are diet staples, coupled with spices, meat, fresh fruit, vegetables, and fish. Brazilian desserts are often very sweet, and many have a fruity base, but Brigadeiro is the real deal in the category.

While many cultural clichés exist for a reason - highlighting patterns and traditions that are genuinely part of Brazilian life - every individual is ultimately unique. Embracing each learner’s personal journey and treating them as the unique individuals they are will help tutors build genuine connections and create a more impactful learning experience. By doing so, tutors can move beyond stereotypes and foster an environment where each yoser feels truly seen and supported.