Spanish is my first language and I really want to learn Portuguese before I go to brazil in two years. Do you think it's possible to learn the basics before then.

i need to know what "Spanish countries", that may sound like they do speak Spanish, but they speak a whole other language. i don't need anybody to tell me that Brazil is one, i obviously know that!!! please help me there's a deadline and the answer is due on Monday!!!!

Well, just because Brazil is located in South America and is surrounded by spanish speaking countries it doesnt mean we speak spanish!
I get sooooo angry when someone comes to me and say: "Ohhh, you are Brazilian, you speak spanish right?"

I have been studying Spanish on my own now for about four years and it is by far the language that I use most often. However, I am very interested in South American cultures, including that of Brazil, and I would like to learn Portuguese. However, I have heard that learning Portuguese can ruin your ability to speak Spanish beyond repair, like that you will ever be confused by grammar and pronunciation. Has anyone here attempted this or experienced it? Thank you!

I was just wondering what your feelings on the subject were?

I can speak fluent Spanish and when I went to Brazil this summer I could understand 90+ % of what was said (although I probably couldn't produce it on my own). I had studied Portuguese for about two months before the trip, and I found that once you recognize the relatively minor differences in pronunciation and spelling, they are quite mutually intelligible.

Has anyone else had this experience or are the differences broader than I had thought.

In Europe, Spanish is absolutely in a stronger position than Portuguese. In USA, the most popular foreign language is latin-american Spanish, especially Mexican style, because there're a lot of Mexico immigrants in USA. & In latin-america, people speak latin-american Spanish, it mainly includes Mexican, Argentine, Chilian style, & In Brazil, people speak Brazilian Portuguese, which sounds softer & more nasal than Spanish, & it shows some similarities to that of French. Brazil's been working to develop its economy and resolve societal problems, Brazil is the largest and most populous country in South America, the fifth largest country by geographical area, & its population comprises the majority of the world's Portuguese speakers. Brazil is the largest national economy in Latin America, the world's tenth largest economy at market exchange rates & the ninth largest in purchasing power parity. If you had to choose between Brazilian Portuguese & Spanish, which would you prefer to learn?

I have personally seen this many times. People really get upset if they are from say, Brazil, and are mistaken for a mexican. Is there some sort of elitism amongst south american countries that they feel they are better than mexicans. I have also heard plenty of people from Spain that think this way too. One person claimed that the "butchered" version of Spanish that Mexicans speak is basically slang. Anyway I think that explains what I'm trying to find out.
I wouldn't bother or offend me at all to be mistaken for a canadian.

I speak Spanish(and English obviously) but would love to study in Brazil. Do you think I'll find lots of people in Brazil I can talk to in Spanish?

It seems like everyone always says that all countries in south america except Brasil (which speaks portuguese) speak spanish. Sometimes they don't even mention the Brazil part.

Why don't people know anything? (Not to sound mean or anythinggg....)

Because the last time I checked Guyana speaks English, French Guiana speaks French, and Suriname speaks Dutch.
Okay, you're right. I don't mean every single person, but I mean most.

And I don't mean people saying it as a generalization, because I'm talking about my teacher who says "Every country in South America speaks Spanish except Brazil" and puts it on a test.

Im just wondering how many countries speak mexican. i know brazil is the only south american country that doesnt speak mexican.