Teach Yourself Portuguese Language Life and Culture

by Tyson-Ward, Sue

• ISBN13: 9780071396806
• ISBN10: 0071396802
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2002-04-23
• Publisher: MCG

Summary

Teach Yourself Portuguese Language, Life and Culture delves into the customs and ways of Portugal and its inhabitants, taking a respectful yet lively point of view. Topics include government, arts, language, work, leisure, education, festivals and celebrations, and food. By asking questions such as "What is modern Portuguese art and architecture like?" this book invites you to examine fascinating aspects of another culture.

Table of Contents

Introduction	vii
The making of Portugal	1	(26)
The land, the people and their history
Language	27	(25)
Aspects of Portuguese, including its origins, the Portuguese-speaking world, what makes it different, and derivations
Literature	52	(22)
Eight centuries of writing, including the National poet Camoes, and Nobel prize-winner Jose Saramago
Art and architecture	74	(26)
Great artists through the ages; Portugal's wealth of architecture, old and new; the decorative art of the azulejo tile
Music and dance	100	(20)
Musicians and singers from the 12th century onwards; Fado and the great Amalia; the Portuguese guitar; folk dances; Brazilian and African influences
Traditions, festivals, customs	120	(20)
Festivals throughout the year; regional festivities and family celebrations; customs and folklore
Food and fashion	140	(22)
Eating and drinking habits; regional food; port wine; Portuguese fashion
Creativity in other spheres	162	(15)
The cinema, photography, television and radio; the press; Portugal on-line; science - the legacy
Political structures and institutions	177	(24)
Portugal's route to democracy, from monarchy, through dictatorship, Salazar, and revolution; how Portugal is run today: government, politics, the law, the civil service and the police
Basics for living	201	(23)
Education, health, housing, transport
The Portuguese at work and play the changing economy; industry, agriculture and services; work, pay, holidays; leisure and sporting activities	224	(21)
The Portuguese people	245	(24)
Where the Portuguese live; family and women; Portuguese man; love; the young and old; immigrants, racism and religion; thoughts on the Portuguese - by themselves and others
Postscript - Portugal in the world today	269	(6)
Index	275