Portuguese
A global language across four continents
Uma língua global em quatro continentes
Portuguese connects communities across Europe, South America, Africa and parts of Asia. It is the official language of Brazil and Portugal and widely spoken in countries such as Angola and Mozambique. As one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, Portuguese links vibrant cultures, emerging economies and global conversations. At the University at Buffalo, Portuguese studies explore language, literature and culture across this global network while helping students build strong communication skills and international perspectives.
All UB students may also use Portuguese courses to complete the UB Curriculum Global Pathway: Language and Culture Track.
Portuguese connects you to a diverse global community and expanding international markets. Brazil is one of the largest economies in the world, and Portuguese-speaking countries play important roles in global development, environmental policy and international partnerships.
Studying Portuguese gives you access to:
- Lusophone cultures across South America, Europe and Africa
- Expanding international markets and global partnerships
- Influential literary, artistic and musical traditions
- Opportunities for international collaboration and cultural exchange
From the poetry of Fernando Pessoa to contemporary Brazilian music, film and literature, Portuguese-speaking cultures have shaped global artistic and intellectual traditions.
Did you know?
Portuguese is one of the fastest-growing global languages because of Brazil’s influence in international culture, business and environmental policy.
Portuguese studies at UB combine language learning with the exploration of literature, film, history and cultural traditions across the Lusophone world.
Students build fluency in speaking, reading and writing Portuguese while examining cultural movements and historical developments in Brazil, Portugal and Portuguese-speaking Africa. Courses emphasize practical communication and cultural understanding.
Students begin at their current level of proficiency and progress through coursework that strengthens both language ability and global awareness.
Portuguese studies often explore topics such as:
- Literature and cultural traditions from Brazil and Portugal
- Lusophone cultures across Africa and the Atlantic world
- Film, music and contemporary cultural movements
- Language variation and global Portuguese communities
- Historical and cultural connections across Portuguese-speaking societies
These perspectives help students understand how Portuguese connects cultures across continents.
Faculty working in Portuguese and Lusophone studies guide students through language learning, literature and cultural exploration.
Portuguese connects people, cultures and economies across four continents. Studying the language helps students understand global perspectives while building communication skills valued in international careers.
At UB, Portuguese studies combine language learning, cultural exploration and interdisciplinary study in a supportive academic environment.
Did you know?
Brazil is the largest Portuguese-speaking country and one of the most culturally influential nations in the world.
Portuguese opens the door to global cultures, international collaboration and emerging economic opportunities. At UB, you will build language skills and cultural insight that prepare you for international engagement.