The method behind FalaPT is the result of many years of real-world experience, my own journey, the guidance of language coaches, structured courses, and insights from polyglots around the world.

But more importantly, it comes from something simpler: learning how to communicate when you don’t have perfect grammar, a teacher, or a textbook.

Where it started

In the early 1970s, I was traveling and working across Europe. There was no internet, no apps, and language schools weren’t an option. Travel books weren’t much help either.

So I had to figure it out on my own.

What I discovered early on changed everything:

Pronunciation mattered more than anything else.

I remember a friend from Bangladesh I met in the Canary Islands. He could recite verb conjugations like an auctioneer, fast, precise, impressive.

But when we sat down at a restaurant, he couldn’t order a meal.

That moment stuck with me.

What actually works

Over time, I realized something simple but powerful:

If you can say a few things clearly – so people understand you instantly – you can communicate.

I started using short, flexible phrases:

• I know
• I know this
• I know you
• I know John
• Where is…
• Where is the house?
• Where is the car?
• Where is the bus?

With just a handful of patterns, you can say a surprising amount.

But the key was always the same:

People understood me the first time.

The idea behind FalaPT

What I was doing intuitively back then is now well supported.

Linguist Michael Lewis developed the Lexical Approach, which emphasizes learning language in chunks, that is, common word groupings used by native speakers.

Research shows that a large portion of everyday speech is made up of these prefabricated chunks.

Modern polyglots have reinforced this idea again and again:

• Learn phrases, not isolated words
• Focus on rhythm and sound
• Prioritize understanding and being understood

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How FalaPT brings this together

FalaPT combines three core elements:

1. Pronunciation first
You train your ear and your mouth from the beginning – not after years of study.

2. Real spoken Portuguese
You hear how people actually speak in Portugal – rhythm, reductions, and natural flow.

3. Chunk-based learning
You practice useful, flexible phrases you can adapt immediately.

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About the recordings

The recordings on FalaPT.com are short excerpts taken from longer lessons in the FalaPT app (coming soon to iOS and Android).

Each script is written by me and refined and corrected by native speakers from northern Portugal, who also provide the recordings.

You’ll notice slight regional accents – and that’s a good thing.

Portugal doesn’t have a single “standard” accent, and trying to eliminate all of your accent is unnecessary.

If people understand you easily, you’re doing it right.

In fact, a bit of accent can even be part of your identity – and sometimes, it’s charming.

The goal

FalaPT is built for one outcome:

To help you be understood the first time you speak.

Not perfect grammar.
Not textbook Portuguese.
Real communication.