Several unique terms and phrases describe the features of software we review on this site, some easier to grasp than others. This list briefly defines terms relevant to Learn Portuguese Software.

Ratings

Ease of Use

Learn Portuguese software should be simple to use with easy navigation.

Features

Learn Portuguese software should offer features beyond basic language instruction; the software should apply to both novice learners and advanced. Learn Portuguese software should involve a variety of learning styles such as visual, audio and tactile.

Fundamentals

Learn Portuguese software should teach you how to read and write in Portuguese, assist you with pronunciation and include exercises to build your Portuguese vocabulary. In addition, the program should also include Portuguese grammar training.

Teaching Tools

Learn Portuguese software should offer different tools that help the learner grasp the language including text, videos, images and audio.

Word Tools

Learn Portuguese software should offer tools to help the learner pronounce and learn the language including a glossary, dictionary, word processing converter and word and root searches.

Learning Games

Learn Portuguese software should offer games and learning devices to make learning fun.

Technical Help/Support

Learn Portuguese software help files should be well written and easy to locate. The program should also provide tutorials to explain difficult concepts. The software manufacturer should list telephone and online contact information for technical support.

Features

Beginner

This term refers to anyone just starting to learn the Portuguese language. A beginner should be able to identify spoken Portuguese and understand common words, but may not be able to converse in Portuguese.

Intermediate

This level refers to anyone who has had some exposure to the Portuguese language through coursework, a Portuguese–speaking friend/family member or through a short stay in a Portuguese speaking community. Intermediate Portuguese learners should be able to converse in basic Portuguese.

Advanced

This term refers to those who have a firm grasp of the Portuguese language. Advanced students have studied Portuguese extensively and are fluent in the Portuguese language. An advanced student can communicate easily and with confidence in everyday situations.

Personal Progress Tracking

This feature gauges and illustrates improvements while using the Portuguese language program.

Personalized Learning Paths

This feature enables users to customize how they want to use the software, so they can learn at their own pace. Most Portuguese language software can help users determine which options best suit their learning style.

Fundamentals

Speech Recognition

Technology, which recognizes, evaluates and corrects Portuguese language pronunciation. This feature can pinpoint mispronounced words within sentences.

Learning Comprehension

Learn Portuguese software helps learners judge how well they understand phrases, conversations and Portuguese song lyrics.

Reading

Learn Portuguese software enables learners to develop Portuguese reading skills using newspapers, cartoons and other authentic Portuguese documents.

Writing

Learn Portuguese software allows students to type in Portuguese and correct and evaluate writing skills. High–end Learn Portuguese software offers fast, easy ways to include Portuguese accent marks in writing.

Vocabulary

Learn Portuguese software allows students to increase the number of Portuguese words they can recognize using games, exercises, flash cards and other methods.

Grammar

Learn Portuguese software provides in–depth study of sentence structure, verb conjugation and other basic Portuguese language skills.

Conversation Practice

Portuguese language software supports direct communication with a Portuguese speaker—real or computer simulated—through the Internet or by other methods.

Record, Playback and Compare

Portuguese language software provides online tests and compares results with other students.

Teaching Tools

Books

Portuguese language software includes books.

Videos

Video is often used as a teaching method; sometimes built into the Portuguese software or included as a separate DVD.

Images

Pictures used by the program to support vocabulary and Portugal or Brazilian culture studies.

Audio Tapes

Separate audio aids included with the Portuguese software.

Word Tools

Word Processing Converter

Portuguese language software allows students to type in a word or phrase in either Portuguese or English and the term is then translated into the opposite language.

Word and Root Search

This term refers to a search tool that looks up conjugated verbs.

Glossary

This is an alphabetical listing of Portuguese words with meanings or interpretations in a various contexts.

Dictionary

This is a tool which defines Portuguese terms. Words are arranged in alphabetical order with spelling, pronunciation and meaning alongside. Bi–lingual dictionaries provide cross–translations of English to Portuguese or Portuguese to English.

Learning Games

CrossWord Puzzles

These are puzzles in which words correspond to numbered clues. Answers are written into squares of the puzzle. Crossword puzzles are fun diversions that provide mental exercise.

Games

The Portuguese language software offers various games to add a bit of fun to the learning process.

Flash Cards

This teaching tool shows screens with words, numbers or pictures in quick succession for testing Portuguese language recognition.

Cultural Aspects

The Portuguese language program introduces customs, food, geography, history, religion and other aspects related to the Portuguese or Brazilian culture.

Help/Documentation

Telephone Support

Telephone support is provided for questions.

eMail Support

The service includes an email address for queries.

Online Help

This is information posted online to help you learn about the product or troubleshoot technical problems.

FAQ

The service includes a FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) section for quick reference.

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