Networks

Introduction

Listening to Portuguese is super dreamy and I aspire to such levels of personal dreaminess. More importantly, I have family in Brazil and I am in the process of jumpstarting a research project centered on reducing lethal violence (homicide).

What is your exposure to Portuguese Language?

Initially through family, but now I am also interested in Brazil-related research that may morph into a doctoral dissertation after spending some serious time in Brazil gaining fluency (which will be loads of fun).

Have you ever been to a Portuguese-speaking country? Where and when?

I have been to Brazil twice as I have a bunch of cousins in Paraná state and I am working on a research collaboration with partners in São Paulo, Rio and Recife. Also had 36 hours of fun in Cape Verde. Mozambique and Angola are next.

What's your skill level in conversational Portuguese?

Sadly I am just a beginner. I can generally understand the gist of things, but at this point I am still slow to reply. It's humbling to speak like a four-year-old. Hoping to make great strides on the fluency front by May 2009."

Do you play capoeira, dance samba/pagode/forró/baile funk/etc, or otherwise do Brazil-related activities on a regular basis?

Always up for a night of live Brazilian music. Still working on my samba, but with a few cocktails anything is possible.

When are you available for Meetups?

Difficult to say given a challenging work schedule, but generally Wednesdays and Saturdays are workable.