André on Life, Language, and Learning in Madeira
André on Life, Language, and Learning in Madeira
André was for years a familiar face at the GLTT Campus Rode. He took courses in Portuguese, English, and Photography there. He now lives with his wife on Madeira, where they bought a house (with a pool…) several years ago.
How have you settled in on Madeira after all these years?
It took some adjusting, even though Portuguese culture is closely related to Flemish culture. It even feels a bit like going “back in time.” Madeira is very Catholic, and the locals are proud of their language and culture.
Are there things you miss?
Yes, mainly in terms of food. Some typical Belgian products are hard to find here, like white chocolate, speculaas paste, praline-filled chocolate, apricots, apricot compote… A classic Belgian sandwich like “Americain” or minced meat isn’t available here either, although beef and pork mince are. They grind it fresh in front of your eyes after you choose the meat. Everything else is generally available, but certain products may be missing for months. Delicious pastries or breakfast pastries like back home aren’t available, so I make them myself. Portuguese cuisine is hearty but not very refined—it comes from a time when people needed substantial food to work hard. While not refined, the steaks here are guaranteed to taste better than in Belgium.
Did you always plan to live abroad after retirement?
In fact, yes, though there was some doubt because my wife is 12 years younger and had to work longer. Madeira is among the countries with the lowest crime rates in the world, which influenced our choice, combined with the fact that we remain in the EU and can align our social security with the Portuguese system. Crime is indeed low, even though 25% of the population could be considered “poor.” There are almost no dangerous neighborhoods, and you can leave your smartphone or wallet on a café table in the city without worry.
How many years did you study Portuguese at Campus Rode?
Three years, with the last year being a repetition of the second. On Madeira, I also took a refresher course for one semester at the University of Funchal.
Do you think it’s important for expats to know Portuguese on Madeira?
Absolutely. Body language can help in conversations, but what if you receive a bill or look at packaging in a shop? No one will explain it to you. Speaking Portuguese in all interactions surprises people—they don’t expect it. A tourist who speaks Portuguese is very unlikely. They always ask if you live here. Few expats speak Portuguese, especially the British, who usually know only one language and expect English everywhere. Those of us who speak Portuguese are sometimes thanked for it.
Many Americans live here as well, and they make more effort to speak Portuguese—likely because they are non-EU citizens required to take Portuguese lessons to settle here. I’m not sure if this applies to new Brits after Brexit.
How many years did you study English at Campus Rode?
Many years, with occasional breaks.
Do you still use your English sometimes?
English has become my second language, whereas in Belgium it was French. English remains the universal language people rely on. Among expats, it’s also the main language, except in the group of “Mederlanders” (Flemings and Dutch).
Do you have tips for current foreign language students?
Not really. A traditional classroom course, like GLTT offered, is the best way for me to fully learn a language.
Do you have tips for language teachers?
Yes. It helps if the first two years of a new language are taught by a teacher whose native language isn’t the one being taught. A native speaker has the true accent, and in the beginning, that’s too much on top of grammar and spelling. Students spend minutes trying to get pronunciation right and miss other explanations. Only after a few years can one focus on refining pronunciation. That should start around the third year.
For example, in Portuguese, “eu como” (I eat) is actually pronounced “eu comou.” After I had been living here for a while, I heard Portuguese people say “tambem” in conversations. “Tambem” simply means “also,” but in the conversation it didn’t fit. It took years for me to realize they weren’t saying “tambem” but “esta bem.” In pronunciation, “esta” became just “ta,” giving “ta bem.” What initially sounded like “also” actually means “it’s okay” in conversation—a way to confirm understanding, like saying “okay,” “yeah, yeah,” or “sure” in English.