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Vamos Falar Algarvio!

In this article by Lena Strang, originally published in Tomorrow Magazine, she shares an inside look at the Algarvian dialect and how it complements the lively culture of the Algarve region of Portugal. Throughout the article, you can listen to examples of how Portuguese is spoken in the Algarve. Then, to explore the character and beauty of this region in more depth, check out our audio episodes here: The Algarve


Vamos falar Algarvio!Let's speak 'Algarvian'!
Interviewing local residents for Tomorrow magazine has not been a problem, as I can speak Portuguese quite well. However, talking to older residents in villages or to traditional fishermen on the coast, has proved more of a challenge. Yes, you’ve guessed it! The dialect they speak can often be a hurdle, whether it’s um estrangeiroa foreigner trying to communicate with a neighbour or even a native speaker from another part of the country having a go.

What’s so special about the Algarvian dialect and why is it so different from Portuguese spoken elsewhere? I need to make it clear that it is not a sloppy or lazy manner of speaking, despite the way parts of words are swallowed up. In fact, it follows clear linguistic rules. The Camōes Institute, the arbitrator on all matters to do with language and culture, has stated that even though there is only one country-wide written standard, the dialectal forms are correct.
Although the Algarve is relatively small in size, its linguistic diversity is great. The dialect spoken in the Sotavento (Eastern Algarve) from Santo António to Faro is different from the Barlavento (Western Algarve) extending from Faro to Sagres. The area between o litoralthe coast and the serramountains, mountain range  have their own characteristics of speech.
My dictionary of spoken Algarvian (Dicionário do Falar Algarvio by Eduardo Brazão Gonçalves) has 220 pages containing many weird, but mostly wonderful, words and expressions, full of wit and colour. We are clearly dealing with an extensive vocabulary, but also with features of grammar, pronunciation, and intonation.
The dialects are influenced by Latin, Arabic, and archaic Portuguese. Seafarers returning to shore from their long voyages also brought back expressions that were adopted.

So why do Algarvians gobble up words? Masculine words in Arabic don’t end in vowels and this ancient linguistic rule influenced words in Portuguese. Examples where the masculine ‘o’ or feminine ‘a’ are dropped are:

Diphthongs such as ‘eu’, ‘ei’ and ão are shortened to one vowel sound. For example:

But it is not only vowels that get special treatment, some consonants are also dropped:

When it comes to grammar, it’s interesting to note a similarity between Brazilian Portuguese and the Algarvian dialect: the gerund (i.e. the -ing form of the verb) is used:

  • Estou a fazerI’m doing becomes 'Tou fazendo (Algarvio) I'm doing

This colourful dialect has plenty of expressions and interjections:

  • Moço! (Algarvio) Boy!, Young man! – a common way of calling someone’s attention
  • Diéb! (Algarvio) – a more informal exclamation that comes from diabodevil
  • quebrajum (Algarvio) breakfast – a shortened version of quebra jejum, meaning literally break fast

Many will have driven past a restaurant just outside Lagos called O Marafado . Did you know that it is an Algarvian word meaning silly or irritated, used in a jocular way? Speaking of being irritated, if someone is not very pleased with you, you may hear:

Although sometimes difficult for outsiders to appreciate, the linguistic heritage of the Algarve is a valuable resource. This oral tradition is the perfect way to encapsulate the vivacity and way of life of the region.
For audio episodes about the Algarve region, explore the Shorties and Podcasts below. Members get access to synchronized Portuguese/English transcripts.

A Cidade de Faro

Ponta da Piedade

Como Falam os Algarvios?

Certificado de Residência

Portimão

 

Comments

  • As a resident in the Algarve, this article is of immediate interest but equally as a ‘forasteiro’, I have limited experience or awareness of the dialect. The local people have adapted to the community of foreigners here and English has almost become the Língua Franca. When you do manage to engage a local in only speaking Portuguese with you, the Portuguese is modified to help your comprehension (for which I am always relieved!) but sounds wildly different to the Portuguese you hear on the streets and in cafés especially by the older population. That said, where I live in the countryside, there is a local family who only speak Algarvian. They lack a formal education so cannot readily adapt to the needs of the foreigner. We both struggle to understand each other! I mentioned this to my other Portuguese neighbours who are lisboetas, and they explained a little about the Algarvian dialect and how they drop whole syllables, particularly at the ends of words. My understanding is it is not just the final ‘o’ or ‘a’; so for instance ‘homem’ becomes simply ‘hom’. Occasionally I will hear from across the field next door a voice saying ‘Oi, hom!’ but now realise he means ‘Olá, homem!’.

    I can testify to the variation in accent here (which of course is not necessarily the same as the dialect). It seems I have only to travel 10 km from my area to detect differences where I struggle (even more than usual) to understand. I have greater difficulty with the Faro accent (30 km away) but was pleasantly surprised when we did a little trip to Vila Real do Santo António and found the Portuguese spoken much clearer (but may be I was lucky and only encountered non locals – I am not experienced enough to spot the differences).

    Anyway, thank you for this article. It makes the studying of a new language and its culture even more fascinating.

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