Intro (Land,People,Demographics)

Values & Attitudes

Customs & Traditions

Family A close nit family is so very important to Brazilian natives that they often will put family commitment over one’s own personal interest. They will sacrifice for the advancement of family. It is not uncommon for a primary breadwinner to support a generation above and below his own by providing them with a roof and food daily. This is usually all done in the same household. It is a man’s primary role to provide for the family while women traditionally take care of the home and children. If a women desires to work to assist in the sustainment and support of the family she usually has to gains permission from her husband to do so. In some cases this is viewed down upon by men, because it has the understanding that a man may not be able to provide for his family alone. Having a big family and being married at a young age in no longer the norm as it was years ago. More women are putting aside the typical role as housewife and are starting to look to further their education and enter the workforce. It is normal to find couples engaged and living together for longer periods of time to complete educational requirements and to establish some type of financial stability prior to starting a family. By no means is this taken lightly. Couples will celebrate as if they had a complete wedding by giving a big party for both male and females. Although family is important to Brazilians and they are friendly people the extent of them sharing does not extend outside of the immediate family. They are reluctant to talk about or discuss family, work or events of their personal lives.

Business Unlike most places in the word, when establishing communication at a business meeting you are more likely to be call Senhor (Sir) and followed by your first name. That introduction is usually followed by some causal conversation about nothing related to the subject of the meeting. This is used to break the ice and put the members of a business meeting into a more relaxed state of mind. Brazilians are very friendly people, social interaction is very important. Generally, Brazilian business people like to meet more than once, and they like to get to know one another before doing business. They like to converse over long lunches, and usually drinks are allowed. Arriving 15-20 minutes to a schedule meeting would not be considered late or disrespectfully, but if the meeting is deemed as an important meeting then it is expected to start on time. Brazilians like to take their time when it comes to closing deals, so don't expect business deals to be rushed. Portuguese is the dominant language, and although English is widely spoken in business an interpreter might be required. Business cards, as well as written documents, should be printed in both English and Portuguese. Masculinity is prided above femininity in the workplace and it is important for men to appear in control at all times, although women will be treated politely.

Communicating

Speaking Portuguese is something you may want to consider when traveling to Brazil. Although we often think about South America being a Spanish or Latin territory, I am sure we do know give much thought to the fact that if visiting Brazil you will need to know at least a few words or you might have a problem getting food or even the ability to ask if one speaks English. Think about it, how often have we said or assumed that the world speaks at least a little English. Well just in case you are in Brazil needing some necessities of life I have prepared a few words for you. Oi-Hi; Tchau- Bye; Bom dia- Good Morning; Boa tarde- Good Afternoon; Por favor-Please; Obrigado-Thank you; Sim-Yes; Nao-No; A conta por favor- the bill please and all this still does not help you must learn Voce Fala Ingles? – Do you speak English?

For the Traveler

http://www.amazonadventures.com/brazil.htm