Learning English (and other languages) in Portugal

Abstract

Foreign language education has had a long life in Portuguese schools. Indeed, by the end of the nineteenth century, Latin, French, English, German and Greek were already part of the curriculum. More recently, the range of foreign languages was broadened to include Spanish, and since 2015 Mandarin Chinese has become an option in selected secondary schools. At present, all students learn at least two foreign languages, in alignment with the current European language policy recommendations. English is mandatory for seven years (grades 3 to 9), occupying a prominent role in the curriculum.