Warm UpNovember 18, 2013

• What kind of education system do they have in Latin America?

ABCs of Brazilian Culture

Appearance

• People in Brazil tend to be believers in the idea that it’s always better to over dress than under dress.

• However, they tend to be much more open with their bodies compared to Americans.

• Brazil has a very vibrant fashion industry• Brazil has the highest rate of cosmetic surgery

in the world.

Belief System

• Brazil is largely Catholic with many elaborate cathedrals located through out the country

Belief System

• Folklore– Brazil has an extensive collection of folklore stories

that are BASED upon historical events, but usually have a mythological character • Brazilian versions of werewolves, the Boogey Man,

mermaids, evil spirits

Communication

• Verbal– Official language is Portuguese– It is not considered rude to interrupt people when

they are talking– It is customary to lightly touch or stand very close

to someone when you are talking to them– Very direct

Communication

• Non-Verbal– Look people in the eye (even on the street, or on

public transport)– Men shake hands, women kiss both cheeks (left

then right)– Never give a gift that is purple or black (colors of

mourning)

Dates

• 1500 - Portuguese land in the area and claim it to the Portuguese crown.

• 1822 - Son of Portuguese king declares independence from Portugal and crowns himself Peter I, Emperor of Brazil

• 1888 - Slavery abolished.

Dates

• 1930 - After a revolt, Getulio Vargas at head of provisional revolutionary government.

• 1937 - Vargas leads coup, rules as dictator with military backing.

• 1945 - Vargas ousted in military coup. New constitution returns power to states.

Entertainment

• Carnival• Dance– Samba– Capoeira– Forro– Lundu

Food

• Lunch is the main meal of the day• Lots of root vegetables• Lots of fruit (mangos, papayas, guavas,

pineapple), even in savory dishes• Lots of rice and beans• Very little chicken, mainly beef, pork, and

seafood

Government

• 3 branches like the United States• Became a Democracy in the 1980s• Controlling party is largely moderate, but the

Communist party is strongly opposed to current policies.

Housing